Paneer Shawarma is a vegetarian tackle the basic shawarma the place paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) is marinated in a spiced yogurt combination, then pan-fried or grilled, and wrapped in flatbread together with yogurt sauce, tahini sauce, toum (garlic sauce) or hummus alongwith veggies and pickles. This Paneer Shawarma Recipe captures the essence of conventional Center Japanese delicacies with its genuine mix of spices and herbs. It’s scrumptious, satisfying, filled with taste, and nice for occasions you’re longing for a filling snack on-the-go!


About Shawarma
Shawarma is a well-liked Center Japanese road meals, initially from Turkey, and a favourite amongst meals lovers worldwide.
It’s historically made by layering substances on a vertical rotisserie (or lengthy spit) and slow-roasting them till completely cooked. The cooked layers are thinly sliced and served in numerous methods.
Shawarma could be wrapped in Pita Bread or different flatbreads, or paired as a aspect dish with rice or salads. It’s typically accompanied by hummus, tahini sauce, pickled greens, and garlic sauce (toum) for added taste.
On this submit, I’ve shared certainly one of my favourite variants of this widespread snack, Paneer Shawarma Recipe. This Shawarma recipe is strong and is fairly addictive too. Attempt it!
The basic shawarma recipe could be simply tailored to make vegetarian or vegan variations. Vegetarian choices typically embrace paneer, just like the Shawarma recipe that I’ve shared right here.
Whereas vegan options could characteristic Soya Chaap (mock meat), tofu, roasted greens, seitan or tempeh.
At house, the place a rotisserie isn’t sensible, a frying pan works completely for cooking the marinated paneer.
The important thing to a scrumptious shawarma lies within the spice mix used for the marinade. This factor is essential and might considerably affect the ultimate style.
About Paneer Shawarma Recipe
My Paneer Shawarma Recipe includes a flavorful marinade made with a mixture of spices, herbs, olive oil and yogurt. Whereas sumac provides a novel contact, it’s elective, so don’t fear if it’s unavailable.
To organize the Paneer Shawarma, marinate the paneer squares within the combination for at the very least half-hour or up to some hours to let the flavors seep in. For deeper taste, you’ll be able to even marinate them in a single day within the fridge.
As soon as marinated, pan-fry the paneer squares and slice them into strips or batons. These are then wrapped in flatbread, unfold with tahini sauce and yogurt-lemon sauce, and layered with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and pickled cucumbers (gherkins).
I additionally present recipes for each the yogurt-lemon sauce and tahini sauce. Though the ingredient checklist for this Shawarma recipe could seem intensive, the method is easy. Making the sauces and marinade is so simple as mixing the substances collectively.
For advance preparation, you may make your pita or flatbread a day prematurely and marinate the paneer forward of time. It’s finest to arrange the sauces contemporary earlier than assembling the shawarma wraps.
This mentioned recipe makes for 4 shawarma wraps or rolls. Simply scale up the Paneer Shawarma recipe to make for extra servings.
Whereas the ingredient checklist for the recipe seems to be daunting, however belief me it isn’t. It’s simple to make this snack particularly if in case you have your flatbreads prepared or are utilizing frozen flatbreads.
Step-by-Step Information
The right way to make Paneer Shawarma
Make Yogurt Marinade
- First, get all of your substances prepared. You may be needing the bottom spices and seasonings which can be listed under for the marinade. These are:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, elective
- ½ teaspoon candy paprika (or cayenne or Kashmiri pink chili powder)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon floor coriander
- 1 teaspoon floor cumin
- ¼ teaspoon floor allspice
- ¼ teaspoon floor cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon floor cloves
- ¼ teaspoon floor nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon floor turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon inexperienced cardamom powder
- ½ teaspoon pink chilli flakes, elective
- ¼ teaspoon sumac, elective
- ¼ teaspoon floor ginger (dry ginger powder)


2. Subsequent, in a bowl, take 3 tablespoons thick yogurt. Add ½ teaspoon minced garlic or garlic paste and salt in response to style.
Moreover add all the floor spices listed above.
Tip: You too can take 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt + 1 tablespoon olive oil.


3. Combine completely to get an evenly combined marinade.
If the yogurt will not be bitter or tangy, take into account including about ½ to 1 teaspoon lemon juice or in response to style.


Marinate Paneer
4. Slice 250 grams block of paneer into thick slabs or squares.


5. Switch the paneer squares to the marinade. Gently and evenly coat them with the marinade from all sides.
Cowl the bowl and put aside to marinate the paneer for about half-hour or upto 1 to 2 hours within the fridge.


Fry Marinated Paneer
6. Warmth oil for frying in a frying pan or skillet.Â
Pan fry the paneer on medium-low to medium warmth.


7. Flip over when one aspect is golden and fry the second aspect. The marinade combination will caramelize and style scrumptious as soon as the paneer squares are fried nicely.


8. Pan fry till crisp and golden making certain the paneer doesn’t dry out. Additionally, keep away from frequent flipping, and let both sides prepare dinner undisturbed till golden.
Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes total, giving about 2 minutes for both sides to prepare dinner.
Be sure that to not overcook the paneer because it turns into chewy.
If there may be any marinade left, add to the paneer when frying the final batch. Prepare dinner with the paneer and take away/scrape the masala bits from the pan. It’s scrumptious. Combine it with the paneer.
Set the fried paneer apart on a plate.


9. When heat or cool, minimize the fried paneer into batons or slices.Â
You may cease right here and serve the Paneer Shawarma with a aspect of Vegetable Salad, the yogurt sauce and a aspect of flavored rice like this Saffron Rice or with some Potato Fries or Wedges.
Think about pairing it with this tasty Chickpea Salad as nicely and some flatbreads or pita bread by the aspect.


Extra Prep
10. In the identical little little bit of oil that’s remaining within the pan or skillet, decide to sauté 1 cup sliced onions for 1 to 2 minutes simply to take away their pungency.
That is an elective step. You may hold the onions uncooked, should you like.Â


11. Subsequent, start prepping the veggies. Rinse, dry and chop lettuce roughly. Slice tomatoes. Slice or chop the 7 to eight pickled cucumbers or gherkins.
You’ll need 2 cups of sliced lettuce and 1 cup sliced tomatoes which were deseeded. You may at all times add much less of those veggies should you like.
Additionally put aside 2 tablespoons parsley or coriander leaves (cilantro) and ½ cup sliced common cucumber, elective


Make Sauces
12. Make the tahini sauce and yogurt sauce. You may both select to make each sauces or just one. You probably have hummus, you should use it as nicely.
You may test my recipe of a scrumptious Hummus that I make with dried chickpeas.
Make Yogurt Lemon Sauce
In a second bowl, take the next substances:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or thick yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (or add as per style)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon coriander or parsley or dill, elective
- ¼ teaspoon floor black pepper or as wanted
- salt in response to style


13. Combine completely and put aside.


Make Tahini Sauce
14. In a small bowl, take the under listed substances and blend very nicely and put aside.
- ½ cup tahini (unsweetened)
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- â…“ cup heat water
- a number of pinches of salt or add in response to style, elective


Assemble & Make Paneer Shawarma Wraps
15. Take a flatbread or pita bread. You too can use Naan or a big Roti or saj bread.
You may flippantly heat the pita bread or any flatbread on a skillet or within the oven.
Unfold a skinny layer of tahini sauce first on the flatbread.
Subsequent, unfold the yogurt-lemon sauce in a skinny layer. At this level, you’ll be able to add a spicy chili sauce or hummus, should you choose.Â


16. Place the chopped lettuce leaves on the unfold sauces in a single layer. Prime with fried paneer shawarma slices within the middle of the flatbread.
Divide paneer into 4 parts and use accordingly to make 4 shawarma.


17. Layer with the sliced onions, tomatoes and sliced pickled gherkins or cucumbers. Sprinkle chopped coriander or parsley.Â
You too can sprinkle some sumac, zatar, black pepper or chili flakes, should you like. Add some feta cheese should you choose.
If you do not need to unfold the sauces on the flatbread, decide to drizzle with them at this level.


18. Fold and serve Paneer Shawarma straightaway with the remaining yogurt and tahini dips or hummus. Safe with a parchment paper or foil.
Equally, layer with the paneer, toppings and make extra shawarmas.


Serving Strategies
You may benefit from the Paneer Shawarma in numerous methods:
- As a wrap or roll, as described earlier.
- Served alongside spiced or flavored rice, fries, vegetable salad, pickles and quite a lot of sauces.
If making wraps, slice the paneer into skinny strips or batons. For serving as a salad or by itself, minimize the paneer into chunks or cubes.
Pair it with a refreshing Center Japanese drink like sharbat, mint lemonade or the Indian basic Lassi.
For a keto or low-carb choice, serve the shawarma with greens and pickles as a salad.
Professional Suggestions
- Utilizing paneer: Go for contemporary paneer, ideally selfmade, and minimize it into evenly sized slabs or squares for uniform cooking. Be sure that to not over-fry, as it might make the paneer chewy and dense.
- Cooking paneer: Pan-frying on a tawa or skillet is advisable for quicker outcomes in comparison with oven grilling.
- Yogurt choice: Use thick or Greek yogurt with a tangy taste. If the yogurt lacks tanginess, add ½ to 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar. Regulate the amount of lemon juice as per your style preferences.
- Marination time: Permitting the paneer to marinate longer enhances the flavour infusion. Even a 30-minute marination yields good outcomes.
- Adjusting spices: Modify the amount of candy paprika or pink chili powder to fit your spice tolerance. For a spicier marinade, be at liberty so as to add extra.
- Sauce choices: Select from yogurt-lemon sauce, tahini sauce or hummus. You too can embrace harissa or your favourite chili sauce for added warmth.
- Including texture & taste: Incorporate contemporary greens like onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce for a crisp texture and enhanced taste. Pickled choices equivalent to gherkins, onions, cucumbers, beets, carrots, or turnips additionally work nicely. Olives could be added for additional taste.
- Vegan & gluten-free options: For a vegan model, substitute paneer with tofu, unripe jackfruit, combined greens, seitan, tempeh, or soya chaap, and use plant-based yogurt. For a gluten-free choice, pair with gluten-free flatbread or serve alongside rice.
FAQs
Ideally, marinate the paneer for at the very least half-hour to permit it to soak up the flavors. For higher outcomes, marinate it for a number of hours or in a single day within the fridge.
For a vegan different, use plant-based yogurt. If unavailable, you’ll be able to combine coconut cream or cashew cream with a bit of lemon juice for tanginess.
Sure, you’ll be able to put together the marinade and marinate the paneer a day prior. The sauces and flatbreads will also be made forward. Assemble the shawarma wraps simply earlier than serving for the freshest style.
Pita bread is conventional, however you should use naan, tortillas and even gluten-free flatbreads for dietary preferences.
Extra Wraps & Rolls Recipes To Attempt!
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Paneer Shawarma Recipe
Paneer Shawarma is a vegetarian adaptation of the basic shawarma, the place paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) is marinated in a spiced yogurt combine, then pan-fried or grilled, and wrapped in a flatbread with yogurt sauce, tahini sauce, toum (garlic sauce), or hummus plus veggies and pickles. This Paneer Shawarma recipe brings the standard flavors of the Center Japanese delicacies to life with its genuine mixture of spices and herbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Prepare dinner Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Whole Time 1 hour
Stop your display from going darkish whereas making the recipe
Making Marinade
Combine the yogurt with the garlic paste, salt, sumac all the bottom spices listed underneath ‘For Marinade’ part above within the Elements part.
Add few squares of paneer to the marinade and gently coat the paneer evenly from all sides.
Warmth oil for frying in a frying pan or skillet.
Pan fry paneer on medium low to medium warmth. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes in complete, giving about 2 minutes for both sides to prepare dinner.
Flip over when one aspect is golden and fry the second aspect.
If there may be any marinade left, add to the paneer when frying the final batch. Prepare dinner with the paneer and take away/scrape the masala bits from the pan. They’re scrumptious. Combine it later with the fried paneer.
Set the pan fried marinated paneer shawarma apart. When heat or cool slice into batons.
Extra Preparation
Rinse, dry and chop lettuce.
Slice onions and tomatoes.
Within the remaining leftover little bit of oil within the pan, decide to sauté onions for 1 to 2 minutes simply to take away their pungency. That is an elective step. You would select to maintain the onions uncooked should you like.
Subsequent the sauces should be made. You would both make each the tahini sauce and yogurt sauce talked about within the recipe or decide to make both one, relying on the supply of substances.
Making Tahini Sauce
To make tahini sauce, in a small bowl, mix and blend evenly in addition to completely all these substances – tahini, minced garlic, additional virgin olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper powder and heat water.
Maintain the ready tahini sauce apart.
Make Yogurt Lemon Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine rather well greek yogurt (or thick yogurt), lemon juice, additional virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped coriander or parsley or dill and black pepper powder and salt in response to style.
Set this tangy creamy sauce apart.
Assembling & Making Paneer Shawarma
Take one flatbread and place it in your work floor.
Unfold tahini sauce first in a skinny layer.
Subsequent unfold yogurt sauce. At this level you could possibly add your most well-liked chilli sauce should you choose.
Unfold lettuce evenly.
Prime with fried paneer shawarma batons or slices. Divide paneer into 4 parts and use accordingly to make 4 shawarma.
Prime with the thinly sliced onions and tomatoes. Place some sliced pickled cucumber or gherkins.
Lastly sprinkle some chopped coriander leaves or parsley. At this level, decide to sprinkle some paprika, floor black pepper, sumac, zatar or chili flakes. In the event you like, add some feta cheese.
Fold right into a neat roll and serve Paneer Shawarma Wraps right away. Similary make the remaining 3 wraps and serve.
Benefit from the Paneer Shawarma Roll as is or with a aspect dip of the tahini sauce, yogurt sauce, chilli sauce or any of your most well-liked dipping sauces.
- The extra time, the higher the paneer will get infused with the flavors of the marinade. half-hour marination additionally works nicely.
- Use thick yogurt or greek yogurt which is bitter or tangy. If the yogurt will not be bitter, add about ½ to 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to it. You may add extra lemon juice if wanted in response to your style buds.
- Use contemporary paneer, ideally selfmade. Chop the paneer into related sized slabs or squares for even cooking. Be sure that to not fry them for a very long time as they’ll turn out to be chewy and dense.
- Regulate the candy paprika or pink chilli powder as wanted. You may add extra of it for a spicier marinade.
- I’d counsel to pan fry the paneer as a substitute of oven grilling them as cooking them on a tawa or frying pan is quicker than grilling within the oven.
- Contemporary greens like onions, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, not solely add a textural crispness but in addition tons of taste.
- I’ve used pickled gherkins however be at liberty to make use of pickled onions, cucumber, beets, carrots and turnips.
- For the sauces, you could possibly use both of those, the Yogurt Lemon Sauce and Tahini Sauce (that I’ve shared right here) and Hummus. You would additionally add some harissa or your most well-liked chilli sauce.
- For a keto or low carb model, serve the Paneer Shawarma with the greens and pickle like a salad.
- To veganize the recipe, use tofu, unripe jackfruit, seitan, tempeh, soya chaap. Moreover use a plant based mostly yogurt. For gluten-free choice, use a gluten free flat bread or serve with rice.
Vitamin Details
Paneer Shawarma Recipe
Quantity Per Serving
Energy 641 Energy from Fats 423
% Every day Worth*
Fats 47g72%
Saturated Fats 14g88%
Trans Fats 0.003g
Polyunsaturated Fats 9g
Monounsaturated Fats 17g
Ldl cholesterol 44mg15%
Sodium 680mg30%
Potassium 457mg13%
Carbohydrates 38g13%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 22g44%
Vitamin A 804IU16%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 1mg67%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.2mg12%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 3mg15%
Vitamin B6 0.3mg15%
Vitamin B12 0.2µg3%
Vitamin C 12mg15%
Vitamin D 0.01µg0%
Vitamin E 3mg20%
Vitamin Okay 52µg50%
Calcium 429mg43%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 65µg16%
Iron 4mg22%
Magnesium 77mg19%
Phosphorus 387mg39%
Zinc 2mg13%
* P.c Every day Values are based mostly on a 2000 calorie weight loss program.