Description
Hearty Mediterranean shawarma casserole delivers bold spices and layers of comfort on one satisfying plate. Savory chicken, aromatic rice, and creamy sauce combine for a delicious meal that welcomes diners into a culinary journey.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
- 1.5 cups chicken or beef broth
- 3 cups cooked basmati rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4.5 tsps shawarma seasoning
- 2 tbsps + 2 tsps olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, or mint)
- 0.5 cup tahini
- 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups unseasoned pita chips, crushed
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preparation: Activate the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly lubricate a 13×9-inch baking vessel.
- Flavor Foundation: In a robust skillet, caramelize onions and garlic with olive oil over medium-high heat, developing a fragrant base. Incorporate shawarma seasoning, toasting briefly to awaken the spices’ profound aromatics.
- Protein Integration: Introduce ground turkey, breaking into delicate fragments and browning thoroughly. Merge diced tomatoes and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and meld flavors.
- Structural Assembly: Weave precooked basmati rice into the meat composition, transferring the unified mixture into the prepared baking dish. Craft a crispy crown by combining crushed pita chips with residual olive oil and shawarma seasoning.
- Culinary Transformation: Distribute the seasoned chip topping evenly across the casserole’s landscape. Roast uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the surface achieves a golden, crisp perfection.
- Finishing Touch: Construct a luxurious tahini sauce by whisking together tahini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and water. Once emerged from the oven, lavish the casserole with the creamy drizzle and crown with freshly chopped herbaceous elements.
Notes
- Spice Selection: Choose authentic Middle Eastern shawarma seasoning for genuine flavor depth, avoiding generic spice blends.
- Meat Temperature Control: Brown ground turkey completely to prevent potential foodborne illness, ensuring no pink remains during cooking.
- Rice Preparation: Use precooked basmati rice to maintain ideal moisture and prevent soggy casserole texture.
- Topping Crunch Technique: Crush pita chips coarsely for maximum crispiness and even golden-brown coverage across the casserole surface.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg