Entree: Greece – Ionian Islands – γύρος ➤ yíros (Thinly sliced seasoned spit-style meat served in warm pita with tzatziki and vegetables)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 40 min

Additional 10 min

Total 1 hr 10 min

Ingredients

- 1.5 lb (680 g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup (60 g) finely grated onion (about 1 small onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp (10 g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
- 1/2 cup (60 g) fine breadcrumbs or 1 slice bread soaked and squeezed, then crumbled
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
- 4 pita breads, 6–8 inch (15–20 cm) each, warmed
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (60 g) grated cucumber, excess water squeezed out
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, crushed for tzatziki
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt for tzatziki
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 g) crumbled feta (optional)
- Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if roasting the meat loaf; alternatively prepare a skillet for stovetop finishing.
2. In a large bowl combine ground pork, grated onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork.
3. Shape the mixture into a compact loaf on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment, or pack into a small loaf pan to hold shape.
4. Roast in the preheated oven 35–45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and exterior is well browned. For a crispier exterior, finish under a hot broiler 2–3 minutes while watching carefully.
5. Remove loaf and let rest 10 minutes. Thinly slice the loaf across the grain into shavings reminiscent of spit-sliced gyro meat. If desired, quickly sear slices in 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil in a hot skillet to caramelize edges before serving.
6. While the meat rests, make tzatziki: in a small bowl combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and salt. Stir and chill until ready to serve.
7. Warm the pitas and assemble: spread tzatziki on each pita, add a handful of sliced gyro meat, top with tomato slices, red onion, and sprinkle with feta and fresh herbs if using.
8. Fold and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.