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BBQ & Grill

Padma Lakshmi s Beef Shawarma with Beet Yogurt Sauce

Beef shawarma is traditionally roasted on a spit and then sliced thin. This grilled version by Padma Lakshmi has similar vibes thanks to a highly seasoned marinade. This recipe makes extra beet yogurt sauce, so stick it in the fridge to have on hand for dolloping on grain bowls, salads and sandwiches.

Ingredients:

  • � cup lemon juice
  • � cup balsamic or cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • � teaspoon ground allspice
  • � teaspoon ground cardamom
  • � teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • � teaspoon ground cumin
  • � teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • � teaspoon dried oregano
  • � teaspoon ground cloves
  • � teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • � teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 pound skirt steak, trimmed
  • 1 cooked medium beet, peeled
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed and peeled
  • � cup whole-milk plain dahi (see tip, below) or yogurt
  • 1 � teaspoons tahini
  • � teaspoon kosher salt
  • � cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
  • 1 persian (mini) cucumber, chopped
  • 4 6-inch whole-wheat pitas, warmed

Directions:

  • To prepare steak: Whisk lemon juice, vinegar, oil, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, cloves, cayenne and ginger in a shallow dish. Add steak and turn to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, turning occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, to prepare sauce: Combine beet, garlic, dahi (or yogurt), tahini and salt in a blender; process until smooth. Stir in dill.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high.
  • Remove the steak from the marinade (discard marinade). Grill the steak, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 125�F for medium-rare, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a clean cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Slice the steak against the grain, then cut into bite-size pieces. Reserve half the sauce for another use. Serve the steak and the remaining sauce with cucumber in pitas.