Entree: Greece – Athens & Attica – γύρος ➤ gyros (Greek seasoned rotisserie-style meat sliced thin and served in pita with tzatziki, tomato, and onion)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 45 min

Total 1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground pork
- 8 oz (225 g) ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated (reserve any juices)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice
- 4 pita breads (6–8 inch/15–20 cm)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (120 g) grated cucumber, drained of excess liquid
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (for tzatziki)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice (for tzatziki)
- 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh dill or 1 tsp (1 g) dried dill (for tzatziki)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (for tzatziki)
- Lemon wedges and optional thin fries for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl combine ground pork, ground lamb, grated onion with juices, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly incorporated and mixture is slightly tacky.
2. Press the meat mixture into a compact loaf shape on a lined baking tray or pack into a small loaf pan. Roast in the preheated oven until the interior reaches 160°F (71°C), about 35–45 minutes depending on thickness.
3. While the meat roasts, make the tzatziki: squeeze excess liquid from the grated cucumber, then stir together Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
4. When the meat is done, let it rest 10 minutes, then thinly slice or shave the loaf as thin as possible with a sharp knife.
5. Warm pitas briefly in oven or skillet. To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki on each pita, add a portion of sliced gyro meat, top with tomato slices and red onion. Add lemon wedges and optional fries inside the pita if desired.
6. Fold or wrap the pita and serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side.