Craving the rich, aromatic flavours of traditional shawarma but aiming for a healthier alternative? This Healthy Chicken Shawarma Pie combines succulent spiced chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a homemade dough to create a dish that’s both indulgent and nutritious. Perfect for UK home cooks seeking a balanced meal without compromising on taste, this recipe is a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern spices and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients & Quantities
For the Chicken Filling:
- Chicken leg boneless cubes – 1 kg
- Yogurt (low-fat) – 1 cup
- Garlic paste – 2 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tbsp
- Oil (olive or rapeseed) – 6 tbsp
- Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
- Tomato paste – ½ cup
- Sliced capsicum (bell peppers) – 2
- Canned mushrooms (drained) – 1 tin (approx. 400g)
- Mozzarella cheese (reduced-fat) – 700g
For the Shawarma Masala:
- Cinnamon powder – ½ tsp
- Cloves – 5
- Black pepper powder – 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tbsp
- Green cardamoms – 6
For the Dough:
- Plain flour – 700g
- Salt – 1 tbsp
- Eggs – 2
- Yeast – 2 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tbsp
- Oil – 6 tbspReddit+1hobbycooks.co.uk+1
For the Yogurt Tahini Sauce:
- Yogurt (low-fat) – 1½ cups
- Tahini – 1 cup
- Salt – 1 tsp
For the Shawarma Salad:
- Onion (sliced) – 1 large
- Tomatoes (chopped) – 2
- Cucumber (diced) – 1
- Parsley (chopped) – 1 bunch
- Sumac powder – 1½ tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
Culinary Process
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine:
- Chicken cubes
- Yogurt
- Garlic paste
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Shawarma masala spicesEatingWell+18Reddit+18Reddit+18Epicurious+1Good Food+1
Mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to infuse.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a pan over high flame and add 2 tbsp of oil.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add eggs and oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the oven to 225°C (437°F).
- Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Roll out one portion to fit your baking pan and place it at the bottom.
- Spread the cooled chicken mixture evenly over the dough.
- Top with sliced capsicum, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese.
- Roll out the second dough portion and cover the filling, sealing the edges.
- Brush the top with a little oil or an egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
5. Prepare the Yogurt Tahini Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, tahini, and salt until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Prepare the Shawarma Salad
- In a mixing bowl, combine sliced onion, chopped tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley.
- Sprinkle with sumac powder and salt.
- Toss well and set aside.
7. Serve
- Slice the warm shawarma pie and serve with a generous dollop of yogurt tahini sauce and a side of fresh shawarma salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on 8 servings:
- Calories: Approximately 550 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fibre: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mgahealthymakeover.com
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why This Recipe is a Healthy Choice
- Lean Protein: Utilizing boneless chicken legs provides a rich source of protein while keeping fat content moderate.
- Whole Ingredients: Homemade dough and fresh vegetables ensure minimal processed components.
- Balanced Fats: Incorporating olive or rapeseed oil and reduced-fat mozzarella balances flavour with heart-healthy fats.
- Probiotic Benefits: The yogurt-based marinade and sauce introduce beneficial probiotics, supporting gut health.
- Portion Control: Serving with salad and sauce allows for a satisfying meal without overindulgence.
Tailored for the UK Palate
This Healthy Chicken Shawarma Pie is designed with UK home cooks in mind, utilizing readily available ingredients from local supermarkets. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests, offering a delightful blend of exotic flavours and comforting textures.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East with this wholesome twist on a classic dish. Balancing flavour, nutrition, and simplicity, this Healthy Chicken Shawarma Pie is a testament to how delicious healthy eating can be. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
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