Masken refers to a traditional Syrian dish, particularly popular in the Levant. It typically consists of baked chicken marinated with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a mix of aromatic spices. The chicken is layered on bed of caramelized onions and sometimes combined with pine nuts or almonds for added richness .
ngredients:
For the chicken marinade:
• 1 kg chicken breast or thighs (sliced into thin strips)
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
For serving:
• Pita bread or Arabic bread
• Garlic sauce (toum) or tahini sauce
• Sliced pickles
• Chopped tomatoes and lettuce
Instructions:
1. Marinate the chicken:
• In a bowl, mix the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices.
• Add the chicken strips to the mixture and coat them well.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor).
2. Cook the chicken:
• Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Add a bit of oil and cook the chicken in batches, ensuring it’s browned and cooked through (around 5-7 minutes per batch).
• Alternatively, you can roast the chicken in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Assemble the shawarma:
• Warm the pita bread.
• Spread garlic sauce or tahini sauce on the bread.
• Add cooked chicken, pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce.
• Wrap it tightly and serve!