Recipe for making shawarma and Syrian pies

 Sure, here are recipes for making both Shawarma and Syrian pies:

Shawarma Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 2 pounds (about 1 kg) of boneless chicken, lamb, or beef (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced onions
• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Add the sliced meat and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight.

2. While the meat is marinating, prepare the garlic sauce by mixing all the ingredients in a separate bowl. Refrigerate until serving.

3. Heat a grill or a pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers if using thin strips, or simply place it on the grill if using thicker slices.

4. Grill the meat for about 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Make sure not to overcook it to keep it tender.

5. Warm the pita bread on the grill or in a separate pan.

6. To assemble the shawarma, spread some garlic sauce on the warm pita bread, add the grilled meat, and top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and fresh parsley.

7. Roll the pita bread around the filling, and your shawarma is ready to enjoy!

Syrian Pies (Sambousek) Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup warm water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, yogurt, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they become translucent. Add the ground meat, allspice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Preheat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).

4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a thin sheet. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough.

5. Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half, creating a semi-circle shape, and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.

6. Fry the pies in the preheated oil until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

7. Remove the pies and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

8. Serve the Syrian pies hot, and enjoy your delicious sambousek!

These recipes should give you a taste of both Shawarma and Syrian pies. Enjoy your homemade Middle Eastern dishes!