• Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the onions. Sauté until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• While the onions are cooking prepare the rice by first rinsing in a fine-mesh colander. Place drained rice in a medium saucepan and add the water. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer and cook for
• When the onions are done, turn the heat to medium-high and add the chicken. Cook for several minutes, allowing it to brown up a bit, then add 3 cups water, carrots, and potatoes; cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low and add the apple, salt and curry powder. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the carrots and potatoes are tender.
• Meanwhile, make the roux by adding the butter to a small saucepan over medium low heat. When butter has melted, whisk in the flour. Cook until the flour starts to turn a medium gold, about 5 minutes. Add the curry powder, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and honey, mixing well to combine. Whisk in 1 cup water. Once smooth pour roux mixture into the chicken/vegetable pot, stirring to prevent lumps and bring to a boil. Add the peas and turn down to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until sauce has thickened and chicken is cooked through. Serve over rice.

The Chicken Shawarma

• In a small bowl, mix the cumin, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, sweet paprika and cloves. Set aside the shawarma spice mix for now.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt on both sides, then thinly slice into small bite-sized pieces.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add the shwarma spices and toss to coat. Add the onions, lemon juice and olive oil. Toss everything together again. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or more. If you don't have time, you can cut or skip marinating time, it will still be delicious.
• When ready, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit in room temperature for a few minutes.
• Spread the marinated chicken with the onions in one layer on a large lightly-oiled baking sheet pan. Roast for 30 minutes in the 425 degrees F heated-oven. For a more browned, crispier chicken, move the pan to the top rack and broil very briefly (watch carefully). Remove from the oven.
• Because ovens vary, be sure to check chicken at about 25 minutes or so of roasting/baking and go from there. Chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

The Tahini Sauce

• Mince the garlic and season with salt
• Add the crushed garlic, tahini paste and lime juice to the bowl of a food processor and blend (it will be thick as it emulsifies.) Add a little bit of water and blend again until you reach the desired consistency.
• Use only a little bit of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Generally, tahini sauce should have a runny, salad dressing-like consistency. But, if you prefer tahini more as a dip, simply use less water.
• Transfer the tahini to a serving bowl, and if you like stir in fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!

To Serve

• Open pita pockets up. Spread a little tahini sauce add chicken shawarma, arugula, and pickles, if you like. Serve immediately!

• Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook gently for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger and red pepper flake and cook for a few minutes.
• Grind the cumin, coriander and mustard seeds lightly in a pestle and mortar, then add to the pan, along with the turmeric and garam masala, and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the lentils, tomatoes with their juice, coconut milk and broth, then stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper and cook on medium-low for 15-20 minutes, until reduced and thick.
• If you have time, you can leave it a little longer on very low heat for even more flavor (just stir often and check it doesn't scorch the bottom of the pan). Taste and add more seasoning if desired.
• Stir in lemon juice and spinach until it wilts.