Vegetarian Mushroom Shawarma Pitas

Vegetarian Mushroom Shawarma Pitas

4 servings
Dusted with smoky spices like cumin, coriander and paprika, these thick-cut roasted portobello mushrooms are inspired by shawarma, Middle Eastern spiced lamb — and they taste surprisingly meaty. The flavors are bold, but the prep is simple: While the mushrooms and onions roast, make an easy turmeric and Greek yogurt sauce, and toss sliced red cabbage with salt. Pile everything into a pita with a flurry of cilantro and mint to freshen things up (parsley or salad greens would also do the job in a pinch). While these hearty pitas are best enjoyed with a knife and fork as open-faced sandwiches, they can also be folded into half-moon parcels and eaten out of hand.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound portobello mushroom caps

    sliced 1/2-inch thick

  • 1 medium red onion

    halved and cut into 1/3-inch wedges

  • 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground sweet or smoked paprika

    optional

  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 4 pitas
  • 2 packed cups very thinly sliced red cabbage

    about 6 ounces

  • 3/4 cup low-fat or whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Cilantro or mint

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the oven to 425 degrees. On a large rimmed sheet pan, drizzle the mushrooms and red onion with 3 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle with cumin, coriander, paprika (if using), 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer and roast until tender and browned, about 20 minutes. Add the pitas directly to the oven rack to warm during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, toss cabbage with remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a medium bowl; toss to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, stir together yogurt and turmeric; season with salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    To serve, slather yogurt over warm pitas. Top with cabbage, mushroom mixture and herbs, and serve immediately.

Vegetarian Mushroom Shawarma Pitas

Vegetarian Mushroom Shawarma Pitas

25 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the bold, smoky flavors of Middle Eastern shawarma but want a delicious vegetarian option that’s ready in just 25 minutes? These Vegetarian Mushroom Shawarma Pitas deliver all the satisfaction without the meat, making them a perfect choice for a quick yet incredibly flavorful weeknight meal.## Why These Vegetarian Shawarma Pitas WorkThe magic behind their surprising 'meatiness' lies in thick-cut portobello mushrooms, which roast until tender and deeply flavorful. Dusted generously with an aromatic blend of ground cumin, coriander, and either sweet or smoked paprika, they perfectly echo the traditional spices found in Middle Eastern shawarma. This smart vegetarian twist captures authentic, bold flavors with remarkable ease, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special for your dinner table.## What to Expect from This Flavorful DishPrepare for a vibrant and satisfying culinary experience: you'll discover tender, deeply spiced portobello mushrooms that boast a wonderfully meaty texture. These are perfectly complemented by the crisp, refreshing bite of lightly salted red cabbage, adding a crucial textural contrast. A creamy, tangy Greek yogurt sauce, subtly brightened with turmeric, provides the ideal cool and zesty counterpoint to the warm, spiced mushrooms, all generously piled into a soft, warm pita. It's a remarkably hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal that feels both comforting and exotic, sure to become a new favorite among family and friends.### Customization & VariationsThis versatile dish welcomes a touch of personalization to suit your pantry or palate. If fresh cilantro and mint aren't your preference, feel free to substitute them with fresh parsley or a handful of crisp salad greens for that essential fresh, herbaceous lift. Additionally, the recipe notes that the ground sweet or smoked paprika is entirely optional, allowing you to fine-tune the smoky depth to your liking without compromising on flavor.These hearty pitas are ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or even a flavorful contribution to a potluck, serving four with ease. Enjoy them open-faced with a knife and fork, or fold them into convenient half-moon parcels for a delightful hand-held experience.

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