 I was first introduced to this meal about 10 years ago during a trip to New York City and it soon became a mission of mine to replicate it. Halal Guys is a popular street-cart that serves shawarma style chicken and beef over a bed of rice and lettuce. It is topped off with a super spicy red sauce and a delicious garlicky white sauce. This cart is a very popular spot in NYC and you can always expect to find long lines leading up to it. After many tries, I still can’t get that specific taste, but I have come up with a similar recipe. It’s super easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. There are four parts to this and I have divided the recipe in that way. The fourth part, the spicy red sauce, is completely optional and can be substituted with Sriracha or a hot sauce of your choice. Please do try it out and let me know how you like it. Ingredients for Chicken 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into cubes 1 tsp ground black pepper 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp white pepper powder 1 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp oregano 1 tsp shawarma seasoning(optional) 1 tsp salt(adjust to taste) 3 tbsp oil Method for Chicken: In a bowl, marinate the chicken with all ingredient for about 30 minutes. Heat the oil in a pan and add the chicken. Cook until well done, leaving some juices in the pan so the chicken will stay moist. Ingredients for Saffron Rice: 2 cups white rice 3 cups chicken stock 1 tbsp oil 1 tsp salt a pinch of saffron Method for Saffron Rice: Bring the chicken stock, saffron, oil and salt to boil. Add the rice and cook on high until the rice comes to a boil and until about 3/4 way cooked. Cover the pot and let simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. White Sauce 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup yogurt 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tbsp minced garlic 1/4 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/4 tsp salt Method for the White Sauce: While the rice is cooking, you can begin the white sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and whisk until well blended. (Optional) Spicy Red Sauce:
1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 tsp ginger-garlic paste 1-2 tbsp red pepper powder 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/4 tsp salt Method for the Spicy Red Sauce: For the spicy red sauce, take a small frying pan and heat the oil on medium low. Next, turn the heat it the lowest setting and slowly add the ginger garlic paste and sauté lightly. Next add the red pepper powder and salt. Mix and lightly sauté. Allow the mixture to cool completely. Assemble: Now you are ready to assemble the dish. In you plate add the rice and chopped iceberg lettuce. Next add the chicken on top. Then top with your desired amount of white and red sauce. Your Halal-Cart Style Chicken and Rice Dinner is Ready! Enjoy 😊
1 Comment
|