From: Executive chef Liam Spence, Lola, Seattle, WA. Yield: 12 servings.
8 lb. American Lamb leg roast, boned, silverskin removed
½ cup dried Greek oregano (preferably on-the-stem)
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
¼ cup kosher salt
2 Tbsp. fresh ground black pepper
4 lemons, juiced (about 1 cup), juice divided
½ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
Tomato Jam:
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
28 oz. canned crushed tomatoes
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp. kosher salt
pinch of cayenne pepper
Shawarma Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
½ tsp. dried Greek oregano, preferably on the stem
as desired, salt
Shawarma Seasoning:
2 Tbsp. cumin seeds
2 Tbsp. coriander seeds
1½ Tbsp. fennel seeds
2 Tbsp. sweet paprika
1 Tbsp. ground turmeric
1 Tbsp. Madras curry powder
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
½ tsp. allspice
1½ Tbsp. kosher salt
6 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
12 pita breads
1 head Romaine lettuce, sliced crosswise into thin ribbons
In a medium bowl, add oregano, rosemary, salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup lemon juice and ¼ cup oil. Using a sharp knife, score the inside of the roast on a diagonal in 1" intervals. Turn roast over; score fat cap. Rub herb mixture over both sides of lamb; pour lemon oil over roast. Tie roast with butcher's twine; place in large baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Whisk remaining ½ cup lemon juice and ¼ cup olive oil together; set aside. Place roast on a roasting rack lightly coated with nonstick spray. Roast at 325°F until temperature reaches 130°F, about 2½ to 3 hours. Baste every 30 minutes with lemon juice-oil mixture. Remove from oven; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing into ¼" pieces. (Roast can also be cooled completely before slicing.) Prepare Tomato Jam and Shawarma Sauce while lamb roasts.
For Tomato Jam: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions; cook until translucent, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, sugar, salt and cayenne; bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until mixture is thick and tomatoes are concentrated into a jam texture, 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring often. Remove from heat; set aside to cool to room temperature. Transfer jam to an airtight container; refrigerate until serving. (Can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.)
For Shawarma Sauce: In a large bowl, add yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, oregano and salt. Stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until serving. (Can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.)
For Shawarma Seasoning: In a large skillet, add cumin, coriander and fennel; toast over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the seeds start to crackle, are fragrant and wisps of smoke rise from the pan, about 3 minutes. Transfer spices to a large plate; cool. In a spice grinder or coffee mill, grind spices into a fine powder. Turn the mixture out into a medium bowl; stir in paprika, turmeric, curry, cayenne, allspice and salt.
In a large bowl, add sliced lamb; toss with 6 Tbsp. spice mixture to evenly coat. (Store remaining spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place for up to 6 months.)
In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp. oil over medium-high heat. Add one-third of the seasoned lamb. Cook until lamb is warmed through. Transfer lamb to a large platter. Repeat twice with remaining oil and lamb.
Adjust oven racks to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Place the pita bread on 2 rimmed baking sheets; place in oven and warm at 300°F. Remove from oven; spread Tomato Jam inside each pita, or if pita is very thin, spread Tomato Jam on top. Divide lamb between the pitas. Top with shredded lettuce and a few tablespoons of Shawarma Sauce. Serve hot.
