The Foodie Blog

When I’m in the mood to cook for myself and my loved ones, mainly my girlfriend, I immediately go for Mediterranean food. But not just any Mediterranean, authentic Mediterranean. I cook the chicken to perfection, and the seasoning melts in your mouth, guaranteed to create a tornado of flavor. I start by cooking and seasoning the chicken, which is probably the most important factor in making shawarma. Through many trials and errors, I’ve been able to perfect the recipe. The next step is making the zhug, chug, and tzatziki. I use all-natural flavors and ingredients. If I had to describe, or even anthropomorphize, it, I’d call it a “dancing shawarma holding up a sign that says, ‘Come get some!’”

When we think about our love for food, much of it comes from the memories we attach to it. For example, McDonald’s isn’t exactly a gourmet establishment, but children, and often adults, will still choose the drive-through over a sit-down restaurant. Why is that? In my opinion, it’s because of our emotional attachment to food. For me, the first time I had Mediterranean food was at a place called Cava. My girlfriend introduced me to it, and since I love to cook, I challenged myself to make it just as good, if not better, than Cava, or even some authentic restaurants. This dish represents my girlfriend introducing me to something new, as she often does when it comes to food. That’s my emotional attachment: she introduced me to it early on in our relationship.

The Mediterranean is one of my favorite regions, and I hope to visit Iran or Iraq someday to compare my food with theirs. My goal is to cook Mediterranean dishes with a hint of Black American flavor for the people in the region.

If you are in love with this picture here is  my secret recipe with a little bit of Black American Flavor:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground turmeric

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper
  
  

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out

• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or mint)

• Salt and pepper to taste
  
  

For the Fresh Salad (Israeli/Arabic style):

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced

• 1 cucumber, diced

• ½ small red onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup parsley, chopped

• ½ lemon, juiced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste
  
  

For Assembly:

• Warm pita or flatbread

• Crumbled feta cheese

• Optional: Pickled turnips, lettuce, or olives

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix together all marinade ingredients.

2. Add chicken thighs, coat well, and cover.

3. Marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
   
   

2. Cook the Chicken

• Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.

• Stovetop Method: Heat skillet with 1 tbsp oil over medium-high. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and done.

• Oven Method: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Roast chicken for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway.
  
  

Once cooked, let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

3. Make the Tzatziki

1. Mix all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl.

2. Adjust seasoning with lemon, salt, and pepper.

4. Prepare the Fresh Salad

• Toss diced vegetables, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  
  

5. Assemble the Shawarma

1. Warm pita/flatbread.

2. Spread tzatziki generously.

3. Add sliced chicken.

4. Top with fresh salad and crumbled feta.

5. Optional extras: pickled turnips, olives, or lettuce.
   
   

Food to me is more than nourishment; it is a universal language carrying stories, histories, and traditions that connect people. Sharing meals creates a sense of unity by creating inclusivity, especially when familiar flavors or techniques honor different types of backgrounds. It also builds connection, as blended recipes reflects cultural exchanges and global interconnectedness. Ultimately, food cultivates understanding of shared humanity through the act of coming together around the table.

Word Count: 694