Marinated Shawarma Plate with Buckwheat Tabbouleh
Indulge in the exotic flavours of the Middle East with this diabetes-friendly Shawarma Plate, featuring tender, spiced chicken alongside a refreshing Buckwheat Tabbouleh Salad. Packed with protein, fibre, and vibrant herbs, this dish is a delightful and nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.

- Suitable for diets:
- Gluten Free
- High-Fiber
- High-Protein
Why Diabetes Friendly?
- Low in simple sugars: Utilizes natural, low glycemic index ingredients like buckwheat, which helps manage blood sugar levels.
- Rich in fiber and protein: Buckwheat, herbs, vegetables, and lean chicken provide a good balance of fiber and protein, supporting steady blood glucose control and satiety.
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Ingredients
Chicken marinade
- chicken (breast, boneless) 6 oz
- olive oil 1 tbsp
- lemon juice 2 tbsp
- garlic (minced) 2 cloves
- cumin (ground ) 1 tsp
- paprika (ground ) 1 tsp
- turmeric (ground ) ½ tsp
- cinnamon (ground ) ¼ tsp
- salt ⅛ tsp
- pepper ⅛ tsp
Tabbouleh salad
- buckwheat groats (rinsed and drained) ½ cup
- water 1 cup
- cucumber (diced) 1
- tomato (diced) 1 large
- red onion (finely chopped) ¼ cup
- parsley (fresh, chopped) ½ cup
- mint (fresh, chopped) ¼ cup
- olive oil 1 tbsp
- lemon (juiced) ½
- salt ⅛ tsp
- pepper 1 pinch
To serve (optional)
- pita (whole wheat)
- hummus
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Cooking Tips
- Marinating the chicken: To deepen the flavours, marinate the chicken for at least an hour or, ideally, overnight.
- Cooking buckwheat groats: Ensure that the buckwheat is cooked until just tender to avoid a mushy texture in the tabbouleh.
- Grilling the chicken: Ensure the grill or pan is properly preheated before cooking the chicken to achieve a good sear and grill marks.
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Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp turmeric, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ⅛ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp pepper
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.6 oz chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or ziploc bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 min - 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- While chicken is marinating, prepare your tabbouleh salad by bringing 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the rinsed buckwheat groats, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the groats are tender. Remove from heat and let cool.½ cup buckwheat groats, 1 cup water
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked buckwheat groats, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint leaves.1 cucumber, 1 large tomato, ¼ cup red onion, ½ cup parsley, ¼ cup mint
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.1 tbsp olive oil, ½ lemon, ⅛ tsp salt, 1 pinch pepper
- Once the chicken is finished marinating, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them thinly. Serve with tabbouleh salad, warmed whole wheat pita, and a dollop of hummus.pita, hummus
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Notes
Notes:
Please note that the hummus and pita bread are optional accompaniments to this recipe and are not included in the nutrient analysis.
Please note that the hummus and pita bread are optional accompaniments to this recipe and are not included in the nutrient analysis.
FAQ
- Can I substitute another protein for chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use tofu, beef, or lamb as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through. - How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. Make sure to marinate it as you would with the chicken to infuse it with flavours. - What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
This dish pairs well with whole wheat pita and hummus for a hearty meal, or you can serve it with a side of grilled vegetables for a lighter option. - Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, the tabbouleh can be prepared a day in advance, and the chicken can marinate overnight. Cook the chicken just before serving to keep it juicy and tender.
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Nutrition
Per serving
Calories: 430.4kcal
Carbohydrates: 43.5g
Fiber: 8.2g
Sugar: 5.3g
Fat: 18.7g
Saturated Fat: 2.9g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Protein: 26.6g
Nutrition Facts
Marinated Shawarma Plate with Buckwheat Tabbouleh
Amount per Serving
Calories
430.4
% Daily Value*
Fat
18.7
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
2.9
g
18
%
Trans Fat
0.01
g
Cholesterol
54.4
mg
18
%
Sodium
410.5
mg
18
%
Potassium
1090.4
mg
31
%
Carbohydrates
43.5
g
15
%
Fiber
8.2
g
34
%
Sugar
5.3
g
6
%
Protein
26.6
g
53
%
Vitamin C
45.4
mg
55
%
Vitamin D
0.1
µg
1
%
Calcium
104.2
mg
10
%
Iron
4.3
mg
24
%
Magnesium
168.8
mg
42
%
Zinc
2.3
mg
15
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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