Mediterranean-Thai Lemongrass Shawarma Pilaf

Ingredients

LEMONGRASS BASMATI RICE

• 2 cups Royal® Basmati Rice (rinsed & soaked for 45 minutes)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp green curry paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 bay leaf

SHAWARMA-SPICED CHICKEN:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp shawarma seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt

CREAMY GARLIC-YOGURT SAUCE:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt to taste
• Water (to thin, if needed)

FOR GARNISH:

• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Lemon wedges

PREPARATION

Lemongrass Basmati Rice:

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic, ginger, green curry paste, and bay leaf. Sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add basmati rice, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Stir to coat.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is cooked.
6. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Remove lemongrass and bay leaf before serving.

Shawarma Chicken:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and all spices.
2. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

Garlic-Yogurt Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, honey, and salt.
2. Add water as needed for desired consistency.

Assemble & Serve:

1. Fluff the rice and place it on a serving platter or bowl.
2. Arrange sliced shawarma chicken on top.
3. Drizzle with creamy garlic-yogurt sauce.
4. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, fresh mint, cilantro, and chili flakes.
5. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

(Authentic Royal)