#shawarma

“GIIIIIRL, this vegan ice cream is great and I hate to bother but it’s been like a year since i asked LOL, but WHERE MY SHAWARMA *snaps fingers*????”

Keep the processor running before adding the vegetable oil, a teaspoon at a time until the mixture has emulsified. Add the lemon juice last and give it a final 20-second whiz before storing until needed. You can make this up to a week ahead and refrigerate it. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

Cut each chicken breast horizontally so that each piece is about ½ an inch thick. If you have small breasts (cue the giggles), give it a good whack with a rolling pin so they’re all the same thickness. Mix all the marinating ingredients in a blender. Transfer the chicken pieces into a shallow container and coat well with the marinade. Cover and marinate in the fridge overnight.

Then, ideally, you should cut the tomatoes to “a little bigger than bite-sized” pieces, toss it with the remaining juices in the tray and blast on the broiler until the tomatoes are just roasted. 

To assemble, grab a pillowy pita and form a line of chicken pieces. Spread a thin layer of garlicky toum, line up some grilled tomatoes and pickled vegetables. You can add some shredded lettuce and sliced red onion if you please, but nothing more! Roll a good, tight one and eat. Immediately.

Enjoy!

In a case of art imitating life, today’s drabble is brought to you by @thedistantdusk​ and the Shawarma Prince.  

“Harry, can we go to that shawarma place again?” Ginny asked.  

Harry looked over at her as they walked along the steep downhill slope.  “Again?  We just went there yesterday.”

“I know, but it was really good and I saw something else on the menu I’d like to try.”

He tried to visualize the menu, trying to figure out what about the place had Ginny so enchanted.  It was just a little hole in the wall he’d found last week when out for a jog.  Intrigued by the smells coming out of the small storefront, he’d suggested it for dinner the other night.  “All right.  Let’s go.”

They continued to walk in amiable silence, the brisk wind catching her hair and blowing it backwards.  Soon, he was able to catch the scent of Mediterranean food and his stomach began to grumble.  “I hope there isn’t a line,” Ginny said, echoing Harry’s thoughts.

Inside the shop, they stood looking over the menu posted above the busy counter.  “Do you know what you want?” he asked.  

Ginny nodded and gave him her order.  “Can we eat here?” she asked, nodding to a small table with two rather uncomfortable looking chairs.

“Wouldn’t you rather eat at home where it’s more comfortable?” 

“I’m starving—I don’t think I could get it home!”  Ginny sat down in one of the chairs and Harry shook his head, stepping up to the register to order.  Order placed, he sat down across from Ginny, handing her the cup of diet soda she’d asked for.  

As they chatted quietly, mostly about her upcoming exams and the fast-approaching Christmas holidays, Harry became aware that she wasn’t really paying attention.  “Are you all right?” he asked, squinting at her through his glasses.

“Hm?  Oh, no, I’m fine!” she said, truly focusing on him for the first time.  He noticed spots of red high on her cheeks.

“What’s going on?” 

“Nothing!  What makes you think …” she began, trailing off as she looked over his shoulder.

Turning around, Harry saw the young man behind the counter engaged in assembling their orders.  He was tall with a shock of dark hair and an easy smile and he shook his head.  “Are you serious?  That’s why you wanted to come here?”

Pink flooding her entire face, Ginny grinned at him.  “Um … maybe?”

Harry snorted and took a long drink of his own soda.  “Are you saying that I’m not good enough to look at?” he asked, leaning in towards her.  “That you have to stare at someone else, someone like this …” he said, searching for the right term.  “For this shawarma prince?”

“Harry, look at him.  He’s objectively hot,” Ginny said, meeting his eyes.  “Besides, who does he remind you of?”

Harry glanced at him again and turned back, shrugging at her.  “I dunno.  Some bloody actor?”

“Well, maybe, but look.  He’s tall, has dark messy hair—” Her litany was interrupted by the sound of a bell indicating that their orders were ready.  

“Shall I go collect our food from the prince?” Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.  “Or would you rather do it?”

“No, it’s fine.  You get a good look at him and then tell me if you think he’s hot.”

“Ben would be a better judge than me,” he said under his breath as he collected the tray.  He gave the kid the once-over, automatically returning his smile.  

“So, what did you think?” Ginny asked as she picked up her wrap.

“I think you have questionable taste in men,” he said, spearing a falafel.

She grinned at him, her nose wrinkling in that way he found adorable.  “Well, that much is known!”  She took a bite of her wrap and chewed, eyes straying once more to the Shawarma Prince.  From now on, we’re getting takeaway!

Can I interest you in my religion?