It is popular not just in Middle Eastern cultures but even across countries in different parts of the world. Its popularity lies not just on its unique taste but also on its health benefits. The nutritional value of it is surprisingly high which is why it is usually preferred by health buffs and vegetarians.
How it is prepared
It is prepared by cutting the center part of pita bread. Afterwards, stuff the meat, sauce and other toppings. You can use different types of lean meat such as chicken and beef although beef shawarma is generally popular in Turkey and in other parts of the world. What sets shawarma Toronto from other sandwiches is the tahini sauce. Without the tahini sauce, shawarma is not a shawarma at all.
The calories in beef shawarma
The calorie content in a beef shawarma depends on the ingredients used in the sandwich. Generally, a typical beef shawarma contains 605 calories per sandwich. This includes pita bread although you can use other bread for the sandwich. It also requires 150 grams of short loin beef, a cup of lettuce or cabbage, two tablespoons of tahini and 1/4 cup of tomato. As you can see, a typical sandwich is heavy in calories which is ideal for those who wants to gain more muscles.
Fat content
A typical shawarma sandwich contains healthy fats such as monosaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. The good thing about Middle Eastern dishes is that they are less in fatty ingredients such as lard and butter. Instead, they use olive oil and healthy fats to substitute health damaging oils.
Carbohydrates and protein
On average, it contains 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving. This means that one could enjoy having long lasting energy to do his tasks for the day. The nutrients come from pita which is proven to be high in fiber and nutrition making this food one of the healthiest dishes in Turkish cuisine.
When it comes to protein, one serving of shawarma contains 39 grams of protein which is ideal for bodybuilders and those who are conscious of their weight and overall health. Protein contributes in building muscles especially when coupled with ample exercise and workout.
All in all, it is considered to be a healthy food. You just have to find a good restaurant that prepares authentic Turkish style shawarma even if you are not in the Middle East. You can search on the internet for ideas or you can also prepare the said dish at home to give your family a unique experience and a taste of Middle East’s interesting culture.