Chickpea Shawarma Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a dish that brings the warmth of family traditions and the excitement of new flavors together in one meal. The Chickpea Shawarma Recipe is just that—an elegant yet simple creation perfect for a cozy family dinner or an inspired meal with friends. Imagine biting into a warm pita filled to the brim with spiced chickpeas, crispy and tender, mingling with fresh, crunchy tomatoes and cucumbers, all brought together with a drizzle of rich, creamy tahini sauce. This shawarma offers a delightful taste of the Mediterranean, evoking memories of bustling markets and sun-soaked afternoons. It’s a meal that invites creativity in the kitchen and promises to bring smiles to your table.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Skill Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 4 large pitas or flatbreads
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Tahini sauce, for drizzling
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and sea salt. Toss well to ensure the chickpeas are evenly coated with the spices.
3. Spread the seasoned chickpeas in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chickpeas are crispy and golden brown.
5. While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare the vegetables: dice the tomatoes and cucumbers, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley.
6. Warm the pitas in the oven for the last 5 minutes of the chickpeas’ roasting time, or until they are soft and pliable.
7. To assemble the shawarma, fill each warm pita with a generous portion of the spiced chickpeas, then top with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and chopped parsley.
8. Drizzle with tahini sauce and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy your rustic, Mediterranean-inspired meal!

Helpful Tips

• For extra crispiness, allow the chickpeas to cool slightly on the baking sheet before assembling the shawarma.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, adjust the amount of spices to your taste.
• Variations: Add pickled vegetables like turnips or include a scoop of hummus for added creaminess.
• Storage: Store any leftover chickpeas and prepared vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pitas or flatbreads if needed, and swap the tahini sauce for a yogurt-based sauce if preferred.

Pairings

This Chickpea Shawarma pairs wonderfully with a side of tabbouleh salad or a bowl of lentil soup. For drinks, consider serving with refreshing mint tea or a zesty lemonade.

At Zynahz, we believe that every meal is an opportunity to infuse joy and creativity into the kitchen. We hope this Chickpea Shawarma Recipe brings a piece of the Mediterranean to your table and encourages you to explore new culinary adventures. We’d love to see your creations — share your results with us and spread the love by passing this recipe on to friends and family. Don’t forget to delve into more inspired recipes on Zynahz, follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter for your daily dose of culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!