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Chicken Shawarma Wraps and An Edible Mosaic Cookbook Review

December 3, 2012 by Nancy Lopez-McHugh

Chicken Shawarma from An Edible Mosaic Cookbook | Photos and review by Spicie Foodie

If you haven’t noticed by now, Spicie Foodie is all about international and exotic flavours. I am not sure when my love for foreign foods began, but what I do know is that ethnic foods are my favorites. High on the list is Middle Eastern cuisine and it has also been on my list of cookery to learn. I love how flavorful, exotic, and delicious it tastes. So when I heard about Faith’s cookbook I knew I had to have it.

An Edible Mosaic Cookbook by Faith Gorsky

A couple of weeks ago I treated myself to a Kindle copy of An Edible Mosaic: Everyday Fare with Extraordinary Flair. This scrumptious cookbook is written by Faith Gorsky who writes the blog titled by the same name, An Edible Mosaic. If you are familiar with her blog you’ll know that Faith is an excellent cook and talented photographer. Her passion both for food and art really shine through in the cookbook. Within two days I read the cookbook cover to cover as well as bookmarked many recipes to try.

Chicken Shawarma from An Edible Mosaic Cookbook | Photos and review by Spicie Foodie

The book includes over 100 authentic Middle Eastern recipes, countless beautiful photographs, tips that will make all the difference in your dishes, prep techniques, and very informative explanations on the exotic ingredients and techniques of Mid-East cuisine. The recipes were mostly taught to her by her mother-in-law, Sahar. Faith then took that knowledge and demystified the exotic ingredients, tools and techniques and made them very approachable. Even if you are a complete beginner you will feel Faith’s gentle guidance along the way to creating a successful Middle Eastern dish or feast.

Sample recipe photos from An Edible Mosaic Cookbook

Sprinkled throughout the recipes and photographs are some personal stories of how Faith was introduced to the dish. She recounts cooking and learning in her MIL’s kitchen and experiencing the exotic foods for the first time. Additionally she explains how many of the dishes form part of traditions and celebrations around the region. But overall I think the recipes can be incorporated into your everyday cooking routines. Faith says it perfectly “…they cross cultural borders and can be used in different applications in any number of cuisines from around the world.”

Chicken Shawarma from An Edible Mosaic Cookbook | Photos and review by Spicie Foodie

I have already tried out a few of the recipes. In fact one of them I already shared with you, the Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves. The other was for her lentil soup which is fantastic and I’ve made several times already. The latest was for these Spiced Shawarma Chicken wraps that are to die for! Shawarma is one of the foods we most order at our favorite Mid-East restaurant, so hubby and I were super excited to make it at home. Immediately after taking the first bite my husband asked when I was making it again. Yes, it is that good! The brining method that Faith instructs really made all the difference as the chicken was tender, juicy and very flavourful. We normally eat our Shawarma as part of a platter which then is rolled up in the bread to make wraps. That is how I served Faith’s recipe -as a platter and part of a meze style meal. It was the best meal of the week.

5.0 from 7 reviews
Spiced Shawarma Chicken Wraps (SHAWARMA DAJAJ)
 
Print
Prep time
30 mins
Cook time
1 hour 15 mins
Total time
1 hour 45 mins
 
Recipe courtesy of An Edible Mosaic: Middle Eastern Fare with Extraordinary Flair by Faith Gorsky (Tuttle Publishing; Nov. 2012); reprinted with permission.
Author: SpicieFoodie.com & Nancy Lopez-McHugh
Recipe type: Sandwich, Wraps, Healthy, Low-fat
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Chicken
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 batch Shawarma Spice Mix
  • ½ cup (125 ml) plain yogurt
  • 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 large cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 lb (1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for sautéing
  • 16 flatbreads Garlic Mayonnaise (page 24)
  • Pickles (page 27)
Shawarma Spice Mix
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground sweet paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¹/ 8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) (optional)
Garlic Mayonnaise Ingredients
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed in a mortar and pestle with ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large egg whites or 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (250 ml) oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
Shawarma Chicken Instructions
  1. • Prepare the Shawarma Spice Mix.
  2. • Combine the spice mix with the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 24 hours.
  3. • Preheat oven to 350°F and spread 1 tablespoon of oil on the inside of a large baking dish.
  4. • Scrape off any excess marinade from the chicken with your hands. Starting in the center of the oiled dish, arrange the chicken so that it overlaps, and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil on top. Bake (uncovered) 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked; cool. (It’s done when you cut into the center and there is no pink.)
  5. • Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer it to a large cutting board; slice it very thinly across the grain, then transfer it back into the pan it was cooked in to soak up the juices (the chicken can be refrigerated this way for up to 3 days before continuing with the rest of the recipe, or you can continue after 10 minutes).
  6. • Coat the bottom of a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Once hot, add the sliced chicken and sauté until crispy and golden brown (you may need to sauté the chicken in two or three batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded).
  7. • Spread some Garlic Mayonnaise in the center of each piece of bread; add some chicken and pickles (and any other vegetables you like) and roll it up.
  8. • Toast the sandwiches on a dry griddle or a flat sandwich press so that the bread gets golden brown and slightly crispy.
  9. • Serve as is, or cut into small rounds; serve with additional Garlic Mayonnaise for dipping.
Garlic Mayonnaise Instructions:
  1. • Crush the garlic and salt in a mortar and pestle until it forms a smooth paste.
  2. • Whisk together the garlic paste and egg until well blended.
  3. • Add the oil, drop-by-drop, while whisking (after you’ve added 1 tablespoon of oil drop-by-drop, you can add the oil a little faster). Make sure the oil you add is fully incorporated before adding any more.
  4. • Once you’ve added ½ cup (125 ml) oil, alternate between gradually adding the oil and lemon juice and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
  5. • Add the cold water and mix until smooth and creamy.
Notes
Faith suggest serving the wraps with pickles but I omitted them. The pickles recipe can be found in the cookbook.
Wordpress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe
3.1.07

 

Chicken Shawarma from An Edible Mosaic Cookbook | Photos and review by Spicie Foodie

An Edible Mosaic: Everyday Fare with Extraordinary Flair is a gem of a cookbook. If you’ve ever been interested in learning to cook Mid-East food this book is the best place to start. Being that the recipes are true and tried family recipes you can expect to have great results. Plus you may already have all of the ingredients to start cooking right away. One of the things I love most about Faith’s cookbook is that there is a big selection of vegetarian recipes as well as meat ones. They are all healthy, light and best of all they won’t break your budget. Plus if you have a sweet tooth Faith has you covered.

If you are looking for a great Christmas gift for foodies in your life An Edible Mosaic is the perfect one! While you’re at it get yourself a copy, at under $20 it’s a bargain not to be passed up.

An Edible Mosaic Cookbook

Come back on Wednesday, Faith will be joining us for an interview as well as a price. Stay tuned…

Filed Under: Chicken & Poultry, Cookbook, Middle Eastern, Recipe & Product Reviews

« Sunday Snapshots: A Pear, A Lemon and A Lime
10 Questions with An Edible Mosaic Cookbook Author Faith Gorsky & A Giveaway »

Comments

  1. Rosa says

    December 3, 2012 at 11:59

    A lovely review! Your chicken shawarma wraps look absolutely amazing and ever so droolworthy. Great clicks too.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 3, 2012 at 15:23

      Thank you Rosa. I saw your review and recipe, it was wonderful.

  2. Faith says

    December 3, 2012 at 16:01

    I am so happy that the shawarma was a hit in your house! I know your hubby and mine would get along well because mine always asks me the same thing when I make shawarma – when am I making it again? Lol!

    Your photos are absolutely stunning and your review is incredible. Thank you so, so much, my friend. I am truly honored. xo

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 3, 2012 at 19:47

      Hi Faith,
      Hehe, men:) Soon is the answer and I know it will be on rotation here.

      Thank you sweetie and it’s been my pleasure. Your cookbook is delicious and I just love everything about it. Hugsies!

  3. Laura @ Family Spice says

    December 3, 2012 at 16:50

    Beautiful! My husband is a big fan of chicken shawarma, especially the garlic sauce.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 3, 2012 at 19:48

      This must be one of those dishes that no man can resist. Thanks Laura!

  4. RavieNomNoms says

    December 3, 2012 at 17:14

    Oh wow, that is so delicious looking! What a lovely recipe!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 3, 2012 at 19:48

      Thank you Ravie!

  5. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    December 3, 2012 at 17:41

    Wonderful review, Nancy! These wraps look incredible, I can’t wait to try them!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 3, 2012 at 19:48

      Thanks Laura and I’m sure you’ll love Faith’s recipe.

  6. Ramona says

    December 3, 2012 at 18:23

    Nancy, I am going to give you the title of “Queen of food styling”! You can make something as flat as a wrap and make it come to life. I know this because I have tried to photograph wraps and they never look this good. It’s a lovely recipe and amazing cookbook. I love all things exotic and spicy too… this dish is what I call a symphony in my mouth. :) Amazing job by both the author and you. Fantastic post. :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 3, 2012 at 19:50

      Hi Ramona,
      Glad to hear you love Faith’s cookbook. It really is wonderful and full of exotic flavours to excite the taste buds and belly.

      Thank you so much sweetie, you’re going to give me a big head. Lol, I’m just kidding:)

  7. Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says

    December 3, 2012 at 20:13

    That recipe is next on my list from Faith’s book – I can’t wait! Your pictures are making me drool. I may have to move my menu around and make it sooner than I planned!!! Great review :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 00:52

      I’m sure you’re going to love it Alyssa! Thanks

  8. Sandra says

    December 3, 2012 at 22:22

    This looks amazing and I would love to try it. I’ve been wanting to delve into Moroccan cuisine.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 00:52

      Thanks Sandra!

    • Pico says

      March 12, 2013 at 17:00

      its Lebanese ;-)

  9. Eha says

    December 4, 2012 at 02:21

    Thanks a lot for the ingredients of the shawarma mix: ignorant and ‘lazy’ me has been buying this forever from one of Sydney’s Middle Eastern spice firms: another tick!!!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 14:43

      We can thank Faith for the recipe Eha:) So now you can make your own mix -yummy.

  10. Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says

    December 4, 2012 at 02:38

    I can’t wait to get this cookbook! I love Middle Eastern food but I have always been intimidated to cook it. I can’t even get hummus right! Your photos are stunning, as always. :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 14:46

      Hi Kiersten,
      You’re going to love Faith’s cookbook. There are so many wonderful vegetarian recipes. Thanks!

  11. Suzanne Perazzini says

    December 4, 2012 at 03:15

    I have read lots of reviews for this cookbook on the blogs so it must be wonderful. Certainly that recipe is right up my alley with all those spices.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 14:47

      Hi Suzanne,
      Yes it really is a fantastic cookbook. I think you’d love all the healthy recipes.

  12. Victoria of Flavors of the Sun says

    December 4, 2012 at 04:41

    I was thrilled recently to find I had actually won a copy of this exciting book. I lived in the Middle East for many years and it is absolutely my favorite cuisine. I have been meaning to write about the book, and your thoughtful review has inspired me. And your gorgeous photos make my mouth water. Thanks.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 14:48

      Congratulations Victoria! Since you lived in the Mid-East it will be very comforting for you to read through Faith’s recipes and stories. I can’t wait to read your review. Thanks!:)

  13. anna says

    December 4, 2012 at 05:47

    oo this looks so good! i wish i could afford all the cook books out there that are worth having…however i love middle eastern food so much it looks like it would be worth it to shell out for this one…

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 14:49

      Anna, There are many giveaways being hosted so you might get lucky.;) Thanks!

  14. Marina@Picnic at Marina says

    December 4, 2012 at 05:47

    That book is impressive. Looking forward to read the interview with Faith. :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 14:50

      Thanks Marina and I’m sure you’ll love reading Faith’s answers!:)

  15. The squishy monster says

    December 4, 2012 at 06:15

    It’s been far too long since I’ve had a decent shawarma…looks like I need to get this book!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 14:50

      Then you simply must make yourself some soon.:)

  16. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    December 4, 2012 at 09:17

    I’m so proud of Faith’s book too! She put so much work into it and it shows :D Your dish looks fantastic! Beautiful styling and photography Nancy! :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 14:51

      Hi Lorraine,
      Yes, Faith’s passion and talent really show in everything she does. Thank you!:)

  17. Parsley Sage says

    December 4, 2012 at 12:50

    I am totally in love with this bloggy series. I’ve seen so many GORGEOUS recipes from this book, it’s totally on my Christmas wish list. Your shawarma is stunning :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 14:52

      So happy to hear it’s on your x-mas wish list. I hope Santa brings you a copy. Thank you!:)

  18. Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says

    December 4, 2012 at 16:12

    Great review and reveal of Faith’s new book – so many gorgeous recipes to discover… your shawarma turned out beautifully Nancy. My husband and I have a favourite shawarma spot around the corner that we treat ourselves to but how wonderful to have this recipe to whip up our own creation at home… I foresee a date night coming up in the near future! Stunning photos as always.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 16:22

      Hi Kelly,
      Thank you! Oh yes I think I see that date night in your future too.:) You’ll love Faith’s recipe and cookbook.

  19. Allison (Spontaneous Tomato) says

    December 4, 2012 at 18:46

    That chicken looks and sounds so delicious! Especially with the garlic mayonnaise– yum!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 20:52

      It was delicious Allison. I hope you try Faith’s recipe soon.

  20. amy @ fearless homemaker says

    December 4, 2012 at 20:18

    In an awesome coincidence, I won An Edible Mosaic cookbook as part of a giveaway + just received it! I looked through it cover to cover last night + am going to make something out of it tomorrow night! The chicken shawarma wraps look delicious! I think I might start with kibbee or the mediterranean meatalls. or the grape leaves. there are too many good recipes to choose from! =)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 4, 2012 at 20:53

      Congratulations Amy! Hehe, yes there are so many wonderful dishes to choose from. I hope you share whichever it is that you decide to make first.

  21. yummychunklet says

    December 4, 2012 at 22:42

    Looks delicious!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      December 5, 2012 at 01:03

      Thank you!

  22. mjskit says

    December 5, 2012 at 01:29

    Every recipe I’ve seen from this book has looked and sounded absolutely fantastic. They are all unique and foods that I don’t normally cook, but I love to eat. Great job to you and the other bloggers have convinced me to purchase this cookbook!

  23. Liz says

    December 5, 2012 at 03:26

    Faith is so talented! I love that you’ve made so many of her recipes. I think even my picky family would love these wraps. And, as always, your photos are extraordinary!!!

  24. wok with ray says

    December 5, 2012 at 03:51

    Oohh this chicken shawarma looks so gorgeous and delicious. It is making me very hungry just looking at it. Thank you for sharing it, Nancy!

  25. Juliana says

    December 5, 2012 at 05:28

    Nancy, this chicken shawarma looks awesome…very tempting.
    Love the review on Faith cookbook as well…have a great week :)

  26. cookingrookie says

    December 5, 2012 at 10:47

    I love shawarma, but for me it’s always been a very simple street food. Only you could make a masterpiece out of it :-)

  27. Sarvani@ baker in disguise says

    December 6, 2012 at 13:08

    I absolutely adore chicken shawarma.. should make it at home some day!! absolutely beautiful recipe!!

  28. Trix says

    December 7, 2012 at 17:04

    I really need to get myself a copy of this book – her photos are beautiful, and I too adore this kind of food!!!

Trackbacks

  1. Men in Tight Uniforms and Yummy Super Bowl Eats | Serve These Yummy Foods at Your Super Bowl Party says:
    January 26, 2013 at 22:36

    […] platter or made into sandwiches.) – Enchilada Style Chimichangas – Mexican Pork Cutlet Sandwiches – Chicken Shawarma Wraps – Portobello Mushroom Burgers – Jalapeno Portobello “Steak” Wraps (Vegan with Beef Steak […]

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