If you love the smash burger trend, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Middle Eastern-inspired twist: mashed tacos with ground chicken and Toom garlic dip. Think of all the savory, juicy goodness of a chicken shawarma but simplified and pressed into a warm, crispy pita. This dish is flavorful, satisfying, and deceptively simple to make. Plus, it’s perfect for those moments when you want something tasty yet different—whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun, casual meal to impress friends and family. The magic lies in Toom, the creamy garlic spread that not only packs flavor but also replaces typical binders like mayo or eggs. It’s time to bring something new and unique to your kitchen table—let’s dive in!
Middle Eastern Mashed Tacos
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Rate this RecipeEquipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Nonstick Skillet A cast-iron skillet can also be used for a crispier finish.
- Spoon For pressing the chicken mixture onto the pita.
- Spatula For flipping the pitas.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken breast 450 grams
- ½ cup breadcrumbs 60 grams
- 2 tablespoon toom garlic spread Middle Eastern garlic dip
- 2 tablespoon minced onions 20 grams
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 gram
- ½ teaspoon cumin 1.5 grams
- ½ teaspoon paprika 1.5 grams
- ½ teaspoon salt 2.5 grams
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper 0.5 grams
- 2 tablespoon olive oil 30 ml
- 6 greek-style pitas Small size
- tomatoes For serving, sliced
- pickles For serving, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken breast, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of Toom garlic spread, and 2 tablespoons of finely minced onions. Add 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Using your hands, gently mix all of the ingredients until well blended, but be careful not to over-mix. Overworking the mixture could lead to a tougher texture in the final product.
- Scoop out about ½ cup of the chicken mixture and place it directly onto one of the 6 small Greek-style pitas. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press the chicken evenly onto the pita, ensuring it’s spread out into a nice, flat layer that adheres to the pita’s surface. This even spread ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and makes it easier to handle later on.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully transfer the chicken-covered pita into the heated skillet, placing it chicken-side down. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, or until the chicken starts to brown and crisp. Flip the pita to toast the other side for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the pita to get a lovely golden color and a slight crunch. Repeat this process with the remaining pitas and chicken mixture.
- Once the pitas are cooked, remove them from the skillet and top each with slices of fresh tomato, crunchy pickles, and an extra dollop of Toom garlic spread. The cool, juicy tomatoes and crisp pickles add the perfect contrast to the warm, savory chicken. Fold each pita in half to create a taco shape, making it easy to eat and perfect for serving.
- Serve the warm mashed tacos immediately, alongside a side of extra pickles, fresh veggies, or even a simple salad. They are best enjoyed while the pitas are still crispy and the chicken filling is juicy and tender.
Notes
Using a cast-iron skillet will help achieve an extra crispy texture. Ensure not to over-mix the chicken to keep it tender.
Modifications for Dietary Restrictions
You can swap ground chicken for other meats like turkey, beef, or lamb, but note the different cooking times and flavors. For a spicier variation, add a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken mixture. For extra crispiness, brush the pitas with olive oil before cooking.
Common Food Intolerances and Their Substitutions
| Ingredient | Potential Intolerance | Substitution |
|---|---|---|
| Breadcrumbs (Gluten-containing breads) | Gluten | Gluten-free breadcrumbs |
| Toom (Garlic) | Allium sensitivity | Dairy-free yogurt with a hint of lemon |
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Middle Eastern mashed tacos are the kind of dish that hits all the right notes—savory, aromatic, creamy, and crunchy—all in one bite. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility and how it adapts classic Middle Eastern flavors into an easy-to-make, fun-to-eat format. Whether you’re craving a casual comfort food dish or something quick for a family meal, these mashed tacos will surely be a hit. They’re loaded with flavor, easy to put together, and bring a unique twist to your usual taco or shawarma routine. Give it a try, and watch as your family and friends are immediately impressed!
FAQ’s
What is Toom and where can I find it?
Toom is a creamy Middle Eastern garlic spread that’s traditionally made from garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt. It’s commonly used in Lebanese cuisine and adds a lot of rich, garlicky flavor to dishes. You can usually find Toom in Middle Eastern grocery stores or in the international foods section of major supermarkets. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make it at home using a food processor!
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily swap out ground chicken for other ground meats like turkey, beef, or even lamb. Just be mindful that different meats may have varying cooking times and fat content, which could slightly alter the flavor and texture of the final dish.
How can I make the pitas crispier?
To achieve an even crispier pita, you can brush a thin layer of olive oil on both sides of the pita before cooking it in the skillet. Additionally, you could use a cast-iron skillet to get that extra crisp, as it tends to hold heat better and create more consistent browning.
What’s the best way to reheat these mashed tacos?
To reheat, place the mashed tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the pitas are crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the pita soft and rubbery.
Can I make the chicken mixture in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture up to one day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep even easier and allows the flavors to meld together, which can lead to an even tastier result.