Chickpea and Ground Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Recipe adapted from The Natural Nurter.

Ingredients:

Chickpea and Ground Chicken Shawarma:

• 1 1/2 TBSP olive oil
• 1 lb. ground chicken or ground turkey
• 2 c. grated zucchini, about 1 medium zucchini
• 2 c. lightly packed baby spinach, finely chopped after measuring
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. ground coriander
• 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Tzatziki:

• 1 – 2 mini cucumber, shredded and water squeezed out
• 1 c. Greek plain yogurt
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried dill
• 1/2 lemon, juiced or 1 tsp. of white vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp. olive oil
• 1/4 tsp. salt

For Bowls:

• Rice, orzo, or cauliflower rice
• Greek salad: cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, parsley, oregano, salt, red wine vinegar, and olive oil

Directions:

1. Chickpea and Ground Chicken Shawarma: Add the oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken. Let the meat sit for a minute so it can get a nice brown crust, then use a spoon to break it up into crumbles. Cook until no longer pink and cooked through, about 7 minutes.
2. Add Zucchini and Spinach: Once the ground chicken is cooked through, add the grated zucchini and spinach and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the veggies have wilted down and most of their moisture has cooked off, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Season the Meat and Veggies: Season the chicken and veggies with the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas and let them soak in the flavors for about 1 minute.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chicken and chickpea mixture and add more salt or other seasonings if you feel like it needs it. Set it aside to cool a bit while you make the sauce.
5. Tzatziki: Place the shredded cucumber in a towel and squeeze the liquid out; then in a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
6. Plate: Add rice/orzo/cauliflower rice to individual plates, then add the shawarma mixture, Greek salad, and top with tzatziki.