---
title: Shawarma-Spiced Grilling Cheese
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/shawarma-spiced-grilling-cheese-64d253237a42584bbbe507c2
servings: 2
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 25 minutes
time required: 35 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens: [Milk, Tree Nuts]
tags: [Veggie]
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 4700
source_chef: Michelle Doll Olson
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: The shawarma spice blend creates amazing, complex flavors that many found surprisingly delicious.
  - theme: Ease of prep
    text: Simple to make with clear instructions, though some found the rice needed extra water or cooking time.
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/shawarma-spiced-grilling-cheese.avif"
---

Wash and dry produce. Halve, peel, and thinly slice @shallot{1%unit}; mince a few slices until you have 2%tbsp. Peel and mince or grate @garlic{2%cloves}. Roughly chop @pistachios{½%cup}. Trim and halve @mini cucumber{1%unit} lengthwise; thinly slice crosswise into half-moons. Halve @grape tomatoes{½%lb} lengthwise. Zest and quarter @lemon{1%unit}.

Melt 1%tbsp @butter{2%tbsp} in a #small pot{} over medium-high heat. Add minced shallot, half the garlic, half the pistachios, half the @shawarma spice blend{1%unit}, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, ~{1%minutes}. Stir in @basmati rice{¾%cup}, @veggie stock concentrate{1%unit}, ¾%cup water, and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until rice is tender ~{15%minutes}. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.

In a #medium bowl{}, combine cucumber, tomatoes, and as much sliced shallot as you like. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil, a big squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of lemon zest, salt, and pepper. In a #small bowl{}, combine @sour cream{3%tbsp} with remaining garlic to taste. Season with salt. Add water 1%tsp at a time until mixture reaches a drizzling consistency.

Cut @grilling cheese{8%oz} into four large slices. Place on a plate; season all over with remaining shawarma spice blend, salt, and pepper. Shake off any excess spice blend.

Heat a drizzle of @cooking oil{1%tsp} in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add seasoned grilling cheese and cook until browned ~{1%minutes} per side.

Fluff rice with a fork; stir in 1%tbsp butter. Season with salt and pepper. Divide rice between shallow bowls. Top with salad and grilling cheese. Drizzle cheese with garlicky white sauce and @hot sauce{1%tsp} to taste. Sprinkle with remaining pistachios. Serve with remaining lemon wedges on the side.