Vegan shawarma is a delicious dish that captures the essence of traditional Middle Eastern shawarma while being entirely plant-based. Here’s a detailed guide for you how to prepare it, including ingredients, cooking methods, and serving suggestions.
Ingredients
For the Vegan Shawarma
- Soy Curls: 8 oz (or substitute with marinated chickpeas, tofu, or seitan)
- Vegan Chicken Broth: 4 cups (or vegetable broth)
- Olive Oil: 1/3 cup
- Vegan Mayo: 1/3 cup (or unsweetened vegan yogurt)
- Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup
- Tomato Paste: 1 Tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Shawarma Seasoning: 3 Tbsp (can be homemade or store-bought)
For Serving
- Pita or Saj Bread
- Fresh Vegetables: Pickled onions, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers
- Sauces: Toum (garlic sauce), tahini sauce, or hummus
- Optional Add-ins: French fries, dill pickles
Cooking Instructions
- Rehydrate the Soy Curls:
- Place the soy curls in a large bowl and cover them with warm vegan chicken broth. Let them soak for about 10–15 minutes until rehydrated.
- Drain the soy curls and squeeze out excess liquid.
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, vegan mayo (or yogurt), lemon juice, tomato paste, minced garlic, and shawarma seasoning until well combined.
- Marinate the Soy Curls:
- Toss the drained soy curls in the marinade. You can let them marinate for a few hours or cook immediately if short on time.
- Cook the Soy Curls:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Add the marinated soy curls and cook for about 6–10 minutes until they start to brown slightly.
- Assemble the Shawarma:
- Warm your pita or saj bread.
- Fill each bread with a generous amount of cooked soy curls, followed by your choice of fresh vegetables and sauces.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your vegan shawarma with additional sauces on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Tips for Customization
- You can experiment with different spices in your shawarma seasoning to suit your taste.
- Add roasted chickpeas for extra crunch and protein.
- Try various sauces like spicy tahini or vegan ranch to enhance flavor.
This vegan shawarma recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition, making it perfect for lunch or dinner options that everyone can enjoy!