Close up of Jordanian Shawarma with Za'atar-Crusted Potatoes, steam rising, garnished with fresh herbs and tahini

Shawarma

jordanian shawarma with za'atar crusted potatoes

By Layla Hassan

Published: 17 Mar 2025

This recipe is a journey into the heart of Jordanian cuisine. Imagine: crispy za'atar-crusted potatoes, perfectly complementing tender, flavorful lamb shawarma—the scents alone will transport you to Amman's bustling streets! It's an explosion of flavor and texture, a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, even if you've never cooked shawarma before, you can totally nail this.
A platter of Jordanian Shawarma with Za'atar-Crusted Potatoes, set against a backdrop of a Jordanian landscape
We'll start by making some unbelievably delicious za'atar-crusted potatoes—a perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory shawarma. Then, we'll prepare a simple yet flavorful marinade for the lamb, allowing the spices to work their magic. The cooking process is straightforward, and even better, this recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different spices, herbs, and toppings—it's all about finding what you love!
Close-up of the za'atar spice mix and potatoes ready for roasting

Required Equipments

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Meat cleaver or sharp knife
  • Wooden skewers (optional)
  • Potato masher

Jordanian-Shawarma-with-Za'atar-Crusted-Potatoes

This recipe combines the comforting warmth of roasted za'atar potatoes with the exotic spice of Jordanian lamb shawarma. It's a flavorful and relatively easy dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, let's tackle the potatoes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub about 1.5 lbs of small Yukon gold potatoes, then halve or quarter them depending on size—I like them bite-sized! Toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of za'atar, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and tender, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  2. Now for the star of the show—the shawarma! In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs of thinly sliced lamb (you can get it pre-sliced at many butcher shops!), 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of za'atar, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer—the longer the better, really!
  3. Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated lamb. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. This might take around 10-15 minutes. Break up any large clumps of meat as you cook to promote even browning, ok?
  4. While the lamb cooks, prepare your favorite shawarma toppings. I love a simple mix of hummus, tahini sauce, chopped tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You do you, though! If you want to get fancy, you can also serve it in pita bread.
  5. To assemble, simply pile the roasted za'atar potatoes onto a plate, top with the cooked shawarma, and then drizzle generously with your choice of sauces and garnishes. Add a bit of extra za'atar if you're feeling it. For an extra touch, thread some cooked lamb onto wooden skewers before cooking. It looks fancy and makes eating way easier!
  6. If you feel like your potatoes are getting a little too dry, add a splash of water to the pan. Don't add too much, though! You don't want soggy potatoes. If the shawarma is cooking too fast, reduce the heat slightly. Keep an eye on those precious potatoes so they dont burn!

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the lamb overnight.
  • Feel free to add other spices like coriander or allspice.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings such as hummus, tahini, or yogurt

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 600kcal

Protein: 40g

Fat: 35g

Carbohydrates: 50g

Fiber: 5g

Calcium: 30mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The simplest of ingredients, when prepared with love and care, can create a truly unforgettable meal. – Layla Hassan

Want to join our exclusive community?

FOLLOW US

SavoryTouch offers general content intended solely for informational purposes. The information provided on this site is not a substitute for professional nutritional, dietary, or culinary advice. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals regarding any dietary concerns, health conditions, or food-related decisions.

© 2025 SavoryTouch. All Rights Reserved.