Shawarma Rice with White Sauce (in one pot!)

Shawarma Rice with White Sauce (in one pot!)

from hungrypaprikas.com
40 min
6 servings

This chicken shawarma rice cooked all in one pot is the best weekday dinner. Yellow rice, perfectly spiced chicken and the most amazing white sauce make the ultimate combination. A must try!

Ingredients

  • 450 g chicken thighs (cut into bite sized pieces)
  • 2 crushed garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
  • 2 small onions or 1 medium (roughly 1 cup diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup full fat plain yogurt
  • 1.5 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (more per preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (you can use fresh too, adjust amount to your liking)
  • 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder
  • 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice (per preference)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini (optional - you can leave it out if you don't have it)

Directions

  1. 1

    Start by marinating the chicken with all the spices, either overnight (best results) or just before you start preparing the other ingredients

  2. 2

    In a large pan with high sides, add the 1 tablespoon of olive oil for the chicken, and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side on high heat, until golden brown. Remove and set aside

  3. 3

    Add the rest of the oil (2 tablespoons) and the diced onion with the salt (amount under "for the rice") and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat until softened

  4. 4

    Add the crushed garlic and all the spices, and cook for a further 2 minutes

  5. 5

    Add the washed and drained rice and stir for a few minutes. Add the chicken back into the pan and then the water

  6. 6

    It should start to bubble right away or within a few minutes. Once it bubbles, cover and turn the heat to low. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 20 minutes

  7. 7

    Meanwhile prepare the sauce by whisking together all the ingredients, and adjust the salt, pepper and lemon per preference

  8. 8

    After 20 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork and serve with the sauce and a side salad