Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that can be traced to the Ottoman Empire. This delicious meal is made of meat cut into thin slices and roasted on a rotisserie. Learn how to make Shawarma bread at home today. It is pretty easy!
Learning how to make Shawarma bread requires a bit of determination and effort. The bread used to create Shawarma is known by various names, including kuboos, Arabian pita, or Arabian bread, depending on the community. With this guide, you'll discover how you can make this essential accompaniment right in your own kitchen!
How to Make Shawarma Bread at Home
You can easily make Shawarma bread at home using readily available ingredients. Some prefer to bake the bread in the oven, while others opt for frying pans or skillets. In this article, we will explore different methods to create that perfect Shawarma bread that pairs beautifully with your favorite fillings.
How to Make Shawarma Bread with a Frying Pan (With Yeast)
If you have been wondering how to make pita bread for Shawarma, today is your day! This recipe uses dry instant yeast, so ensure you have it in your pantry. Making Shawarma bread is not only rewarding but also a fun activity to do with family or friends!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons dry instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup warm water
Preparation Method
- Take a small bowl and place the dry yeast inside. Add a little water and stir to combine, and set aside for about five minutes.
- In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and melted butter well. Add the yeast-water mixture and mix.
- Gradually add the water while mixing until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured worktop and knead for about ten minutes until it is firm and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rest for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the risen dough until it returns to its original size, then divide it into 6-8 balls. Heat a nonstick frying pan over medium heat until hot. Roll out each ball on a lightly floured surface and cook the rolled dough in the pan until you see bubbling. Flip it over to cook the other side; the bread will puff up as it cooks! Once cooked, deflate the ballooned bread, place it on a tray, and cover it with a kitchen towel. Repeat for all the dough balls, and serve as desired.
How to Make Shawarma Bread in Nigeria Using an Oven (With Yeast)
Many people enjoy baking their Shawarma bread. The bread used in Shawarma is typically made of wheat flour and yeast. Here’s a great oven recipe you can use to create delicious Shawarma bread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Preparation Method
- Combine lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl until dissolved.
- Add ½ cup of flour and whisk to combine. Set aside for about 10 minutes until it bubbles.
- Add salt, olive oil, and most of the remaining flour to form a rough dough (reserve about ½ cup for dusting).
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about ten minutes.
- Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes; then knead for three more minutes.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 6-8 balls. Cover them with a towel to rest for about ten minutes. Preheat your oven to 475°F (about 246°C) and place a heavy-duty baking pan or large cast iron skillet on the middle rack to heat. Roll each ball into circles about eight inches in diameter. Bake for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and bake for another minute until puffed. Once cooked, remove and cover with a clean towel until all are baked.
How to Make Shawarma Bread Without Yeast
It’s also possible to make Shawarma bread without yeast, although it will have a different taste. This alternative is perfect for those who prefer a quick and easy recipe.
Ingredients
- 300g all-purpose wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 20g unsalted butter or lard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 120 ml warm water (or half water, half milk)
Preparation Method
- In a bowl, combine wheat flour, salt, sugar, butter, and baking powder.
- Rub the butter into the flour until you form a crumb-like texture.
- Gradually add warm water or a mixture of water and milk while mixing to form a smooth dough.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, then place it in an oiled bowl to rest for about half an hour.
- After resting, divide the dough into 6-8 balls and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat a skillet and roll out each ball into shape. Cook for about a minute on each side until slightly brown.
After cooking, store the bread in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Repeat the cooking process for all the dough balls, and serve as desired!
Steamed Shawarma Bread (With Yeast)
Another method to prepare Shawarma bread is by steaming instead of baking or frying! This technique requires only four ingredients, making it an easy option for everyone.
Ingredients
- 500–530g strong white bread flour
- 375ml lukewarm water
- 3 teaspoons dry instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Preparation Method
- Mix the yeast, sugar, and water in a bowl. Allow it to froth for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the flour and salt to form a dough. Knead for about 10 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Divide the dough into balls and rest for 15 minutes.
- Roll each ball into rounds and prepare for steaming.
- Use aluminum foil to prevent sticking, add water to your pan, and steam the bread for about 12 minutes.
Steamed bread will yield a softer texture, perfect for wrapping your favorite Shawarma fillings!
Understanding Shawarma Dough
Shawarma dough primarily consists of wheat flour, warm water, salt, yeast, sugar, and oil or butter. For those seeking alternatives, some recipes might suggest using baking powder instead of yeast for a different flavor profile.
The Price of Shawarma Bread
In Nigeria, the price of Shawarma bread typically ranges around ₦750. However, this cost may vary depending on the retailer or brand you choose.
Exploring Pita Bread
Pita bread, the base for Shawarma, is made of similar ingredients: wheat flour, warm water, salt, yeast, sugar, and oil or butter. It is characterized by its soft, spongy texture and pale white color.
The Many Names of Shawarma Bread
Shawarma bread is known by various names including pita, kuboos, Arabian pita, and Arabian bread, depending on the community. Each term conveys the same delicious bread that enhances the Shawarma experience!
Using a Frying Pan for Shawarma Bread
Yes! You can absolutely make Shawarma bread using a frying pan. The recipes above provide great options
