Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, vinegar, crushed garlic, pepper, salt, cardamom, allspice, and juice of 1 lemon, until well mixed.
Add chicken, coating well with marinade. If mixture seems too dry, add olive oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you've achieved the right consistency. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
Cook the Chicken
In a stockpot or large saucepan, cook chicken over medium heat for 45 minutes or until done. Be sure not to overcook!
If chicken becomes a little dry, add a few tablespoons of water.
When the chicken is done, you can shred it, slice it, or leave it in large pieces. As long as it is thinly cut, there is not much difference.
Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt sauce, mixing well. Set aside.
Assemble the Sandwich
Gather the ingredients.
To a large bowl, add onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and sprinkle with sumac. Add the parsley and optional pickle slices and mix well. Set aside.
Place enough chicken on each pita so that it covers 1/4 of the bread. Add veggies and pour some sauce over all. Roll like a burrito and you have shawarma! You also can slit the pita open to form a pocket and stuff it.
You can serve shawarma with fries, falafel, hummus, or with a salad like tabouleh. |