What is Shawarma? Plus a Delicious Homemade Shawarma Recipe by Almond & Fig AND We've Shipped the First Subscription Boxes

At Handmade Palestine, we celebrate the deep culinary traditions of Palestine and the Levant. One of the most beloved street foods in the region is shawarma—flavorful, spiced meat, slow-cooked on a vertical spit and shaved into thin slices. But did you know you can recreate this delicious dish at home? In honor of our first subscription box shipment, we’re sharing a homemade shawarma recipe by the amazing Almond & Fig, using pantry-friendly ingredients that bring authentic flavors to your kitchen.

What is Shawarma?

Shawarma is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, with roots tracing back to the Ottoman Empire. Traditionally, it consists of marinated meat—usually lamb, beef, or chicken—slowly roasted on a vertical spit. The rotating process allows the meat to cook evenly while staying juicy and flavorful. Once cooked, it’s shaved into thin strips and served in warm bread with a variety of condiments, from tahini sauce to tangy pickles.

While we may not all have a shawarma spit at home, this homemade version captures the essence of shawarma using a simple broiling method to achieve that signature crispy texture.

Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole roasted chicken (rotisserie is fine), 4-5 pounds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons shawarma spice blend (or mix the following):
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon curry powder

Directions:

1. Shred the meat off the bones, discarding the skin.
2. On a sheet pan, gently toss the shredded chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the shawarma spice blend. Be careful not to break the chicken too much.
3. Roast under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, tossing every few minutes, until the chicken caramelizes and gets slightly charred. Those crispy bits make the shawarma extra delicious!

The Perfect Shawarma Condiments

A great shawarma experience isn’t complete without an array of condiments and toppings. Here are some favorites:

Sauces:

• Tahini Sauce: Creamy, nutty, and slightly tangy, this sauce balances the rich spices of shawarma.
• Amba: A fermented, savory mango sauce that adds a punch of umami.
• Shattah: A fiery chili paste for spice lovers.
• Toum: A fluffy, garlicky paste that brings bold flavor.

How to Make Tahini Sauce:

Adjust the ingredients to your preference, but the goal is a drizzlable consistency.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 garlic cloves, mashed
• 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
• Juice of 1-2 lemons
• Salt to taste
• Water (added 1 tablespoon at a time)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a tight-lid glass jar and shake until well blended.
2. The sauce will initially be thick—gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Sumac Onions:

• 1 onion, cut into thin slivers
• 1 tablespoon sumac

Toss both ingredients together and let them sit. The sumac adds a tangy, citrusy kick that pairs beautifully with shawarma.

Additional Toppings:

• Cucumber pickles
• Arab chopped salad
• Sliced tomatoes

Choosing the Right Bread:

• Pitta pockets (warmed for pliability)
• Shrak or Markouk bread (a paper-thin, soft Middle Eastern flatbread that’s perfect for rolling shawarma)

Markouk bread is commonly found in Middle Eastern markets and is traditionally cooked on a domed griddle called a “saj.”

Serving Suggestion

If you’re skipping the bread, try serving your shawarma on a creamy hummus plate topped with toasted pine nuts—it’s a delicious, protein-packed alternative!

Bringing Palestine to Your Table

With this homemade shawarma recipe, you can bring the flavors of Palestine and the Levant right into your home. We’re thrilled to have shipped our first Handmade Palestine subscription boxes, and we can’t wait for you to explore more Palestinian flavors, crafts, and culture with us.

Enjoy your homemade shawarma, and stay tuned for more recipes and stories from our community!