Chickpea Shawarma Salad

I made you some shawarma.  Every time I think that word I say it really slow in my head, "sha-war-ma".  It sounds so silly.  But it sure is delicious.  I really wanted to make this curry-filled chicken dish this week, there was just 1 problem.  No chicken.

Chicken is a special thing in our house.  I tend to eat a mostly vegetarian diet for health reasons, ethical reasons, and money reasons.  When I do buy meat, I buy good organic, free range, hormone free stuff.  I have no desire to fill my body with chemicals if I have the choice.  This week, "happy chicken" was definitely not on sale.  In fact, it was $10 a pound!  That's crazy talk.

Fortunately for me, the canned beans are located close to the meat department.  And it was in that aisle that this dinner was born.  I promise you we did not miss the chicken one bit.  Plus, chickpeas were on sale for $0.89 a can!  That's a savings of $9.11!!!!  Winner winner chickpea dinner.

Chickpea Shawarma Salad


Ingredients -


(for the shawarma)

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 t yellow curry powder
• 2 t evoo
• 3/4 t salt
• 2 T lemon juice
• 1/2 t garlic powder
• 2 t minced garlic

(for the cucumber sauce)

• 1 container plain greek yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cucumber
• 1/4 t salt

(other ingredients)

• fresh spinach
• cherry tomatoes
• cucumber
• feta cheese
• pita bread
• fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions - 
-Pour shawarma ingredients into a medium sized bowl
-Let sit 20 minutes-1 hour marinading

-Put ingredients for cucumber sauce into a blender or food processor
-Blend on high until everything is combined

-Spray a large skillet with cooking spray over medium-high heat
-Add marinaded chickpeas and sauce to skillet
-Cook 10 minutes, stirring often

-Lower heat to low, cover, cook 5 more minutes until sauce is somewhat thickened
-Toast your pitas, and cut into triangles
-Assemble the salad with your spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers (bite sized pieces)

-Pour chickpeas over salad, then spoon cucumber sauce over top

-Sprinkle with feta cheese and cilantro

-Serve with pita triangles

This dinner was so good that I'm pretty sure even the biggest meat eaters would love it.  The flavors are incredible, it's easy, cheap and healthy.  This is definitely getting added to the "make again asap" list!

Question of the day -

What are your opinions on meatless dinners?  Is there anything in particular you would like for me to try to make on here?