Looking for a delicious, hearty, and healthy plant-based twist on a Middle Eastern classic? This Mushroom Shawarma Toast hits the spot! Shawarma, traditionally made with spiced meat, is reinvented here using savory mushrooms, which offer a robust, earthy flavor. Served on toasted sourdough with a generous layer of hummus, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. The combination of warm spices, creamy hummus, and crisp toast will have your taste buds dancing, all while keeping it wholesome and under 10 ingredients!
You Will Need…
- Mushrooms: Meaty and rich in flavor, they serve as the perfect plant-based alternative to traditional shawarma meat.
- Olive Oil (or water for an oil-free version): Helps to sauté the mushrooms to bring out their flavor.
- Shawarma Spice Blend: A mix of cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, and cinnamon for that signature Middle Eastern taste.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth.
- Lemon Juice: For a bright, tangy finish that balances the spices.
- Sourdough Bread: Toasty, tangy, and crispy, it serves as the perfect base.
- Hummus: Creamy, smooth, and packed with plant-based protein.
- Tomatoes and Onions (for serving): To add some classic shawarma toppings.
How to Make
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Start by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms. Heat olive oil (or water for oil-free) in a pan over medium heat and add the mushrooms. Sauté until they start to soften and release their moisture.
- Add Shawarma Spices: Stir in minced garlic and shawarma spice blend. Continue to sauté allowing the mushrooms to absorb the spices and become golden brown. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mushrooms for added brightness.
- Toast the Bread: While the mushrooms cook, toast the sourdough slices until crispy and golden. You can do this in a toaster or on a skillet for extra crunch.
- Assemble the Toast: Spread a generous layer of hummus on each toasted slice of sourdough. Top with a spoonful of the spiced mushroom mixture. Add tomato, and onion slices for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and crisp!
Origin of Shawarma
Shawarma is a popular street food across the Middle East, and its origins date back centuries to the Ottoman Empire. The name “shawarma” comes from the Turkish word çevirme, meaning “turning,” which refers to the method of cooking meat on a vertical spit. Traditionally, shawarma is made with lamb, chicken, or beef that is marinated in a rich spice mix, slow-cooked, and shaved off the spit. Over time, it became a beloved dish in many countries, often served with pita bread, vegetables, and sauces.
By replacing the meat with mushrooms, this vegan-friendly Mushroom Shawarma Toast keeps the essence of shawarma alive while making it lighter, healthier, and more sustainable for plant-based eaters. Enjoy this flavorful fusion of traditional and modern cooking with every bite!
Shawarma Mushroom Toast
Ingredients
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button, sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or water for oil-free option)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices sourdough bread (toasted)
- ½ cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large tomato (sliced)
- pickled onion (as a topper)
- cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil (or water) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mushrooms. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are well-coated and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- While the mushrooms are cooking, toast the sourdough slices until golden and crisp.
- Spread a generous layer of hummus on each toasted sourdough slice. Place sliced tomato, cover with the shawarma-spiced mushrooms, and top with pickled onion and cilantro.
- Serve the Shawarma Mushroom Toast warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
