Potato Shawarma Bake – A Delicious Middle Eastern Casserole

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Potato Shawarma Bake – A Delicious Middle Eastern Casserole

Potato Shawarma Bake is a rich and flavorful dish with Turkish roots that has become a popular comfort food across many Arab households. Combining juicy spiced meat, seasoned mashed potatoes, and creamy béchamel sauce, this hearty casserole is a complete meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

This recipe serves 4 people.

Ingredients

Potato Shawarma Bake

 

For the Shawarma Layer:

  • 500g meat, cut into long thin strips

  • 4 tbsp ghee (or clarified butter)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 2 tsp mixed spices (shawarma spice mix or allspice blend)

  • 1 large onion, sliced into thin strips

  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed

For the Potato Mixture:

  • 4 large hot boiled potatoes

  • 2 tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 4 tbsp grated Parmesan or Romy cheese

  • ½ cup finely chopped parsley

  • 2 green bell peppers, finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp soft butter

  • ½ cup milk

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 2 tbsp ghee (or butter)

  • 6 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups milk

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces

  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

  • ½ tsp paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shawarma Layer
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and position the oven rack in the center.

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the sliced meat and stir until the meat is browned and all moisture has evaporated. Transfer the cooked meat into a baking dish.

Using the same skillet, add the onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onions turn golden. Spread this mixture over the meat in the baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Layer
In a large bowl, mash the hot boiled potatoes with a fork until smooth.

Add salt, pepper, coriander, garlic powder, cheese, parsley, and chopped bell peppers. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Add the soft butter and milk, stirring until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.

Lightly grease your hands with oil and shape the potato mixture into medium-sized balls. Place them snugly over the meat mixture in the baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
In a medium saucepan with a thick base, melt the oil, ghee, and flour over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until the flour turns light golden.

Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly with a hand whisk until the sauce thickens into a smooth consistency.

Add the mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.

Pour the béchamel sauce over the potato balls, covering them completely. Sprinkle with butter pieces, breadcrumbs, and paprika for a golden crust.

Step 4: Bake and Serve
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly.

Let it cool slightly before serving.

Serve warm and enjoy this indulgent, comforting dish with a side of salad or yogurt. Bon appétit! (Sahtein!)

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