Greek Gyros, pronounced “YEE-ros,” is a popular and delicious Greek dish that consists of roasted or grilled meat, typically served on pita bread with various toppings and sauces. It’s a quintessential street food in Greece and has gained popularity worldwide due to its savory flavors and satisfying combination of ingredients.

Key components of a Greek Gyros include:

1. Meat: The traditional meat used for gyros is usually pork, chicken, or lamb. The meat is typically marinated with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and other herbs and spices to infuse it with flavor.
2. Cooking Method: The marinated meat is stacked onto a vertical rotisserie, known as a “gyrospita” in Greek. The meat is layered in a cone shape, allowing it to cook and roast slowly as it rotates. As the outer layers cook, they are shaved off and served.
3. Pita Bread: The shaved meat is typically wrapped in a round pita bread, which acts as a pocket to hold the meat and toppings. The pita is often warmed on the grill or in an oven before assembling the gyros.
4. Toppings: Gyros are often accompanied by a variety of toppings, which can include sliced tomatoes, onions, and sometimes lettuce. These fresh toppings provide a balance to the rich flavors of the meat.
5. Sauces: One of the defining features of a Greek Gyros is the use of flavorful sauces. Tzatziki is a common sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It adds a refreshing and tangy element to the dish. Other sauces, such as tahini or spicy chili sauces, can also be used.
6. Accompaniments: In Greece, gyros are commonly served with French fries either wrapped inside the pita or served on the side. This adds a satisfying and hearty element to the meal.
7. Variations: While the classic version of gyros features pork, chicken, or lamb, there are also variations that use beef or a combination of meats. Additionally, some regions might have their own unique spins on the dish.

Greek Gyros are beloved for their combination of tender, flavorful meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauces. They are often served as a quick and satisfying meal on the go, but they can also be enjoyed in sit-down restaurants. Whether enjoyed in Greece or abroad, Greek Gyros have become a cultural culinary icon appreciated by people around the world.

Below is a recipe for making Greek gyros souvlaki at home. This recipe will yield flavorful and delicious gyros that you can enjoy with pita bread, fresh veggies, and your favorite sauces.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken, lamb, or beef (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced onions
• Sliced cucumbers
• Tzatziki sauce (yogurt and cucumber sauce)
• Optional: Feta cheese, olives, lettuce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, ground cumin, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Meat: Place the thinly sliced meat into a resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
3. Cook the Gyros: Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the marinated meat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. You can also thread the marinated meat onto skewers and grill them.
4. Warm the Pita Bread: While the meat is cooking, warm the pita bread in a preheated oven or on the grill for a few seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable and easier to assemble.
5. Assemble the Gyros: Place a warm pita bread on a clean surface. Layer with sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and cooked meat. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and crumble some feta cheese on top if desired. You can also add olives and lettuce for extra flavor and crunch.
6. Roll and Serve: Carefully roll the pita bread to enclose the fillings. You can wrap the bottom with parchment paper to hold it together. Serve the gyros immediately while still warm.
7. Enjoy: Enjoy your homemade Greek gyros souvlaki with all the delicious fillings and flavors!

Feel free to customize the toppings and quantities according to your preference. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted for different types of meat and personal tastes.

Tzatziki sauce

 

Tzatziki sauce is a classic Greek condiment made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It’s a refreshing and tangy sauce that’s perfect for serving with grilled meats, pita bread, or as a dip. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cucumber
• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or mint)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumber:
   • Wash and peel the cucumber. If the cucumber has large seeds, you can scrape them out with a spoon.
   • Grate the cucumber using a box grater or a food processor.
   • Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh strainer or colander over a bowl to drain excess moisture. You can also lightly salt the cucumber to help draw out the moisture. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill (or mint).
   • Use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
3. Add Cucumber:
   • After the grated cucumber has drained, gently squeeze out any remaining moisture using your hands.
   • Add the drained cucumber to the yogurt mixture.
4. Season and Chill:
   • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt, as the cucumber may already have some salt from the draining process.
   • Mix everything together until well incorporated.
5. Refrigerate:
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the tzatziki to an airtight container.
   • Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
6. Serve:
   • Before serving, give the tzatziki a good stir.
   • Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of fresh dill or mint, if desired.
   • Serve the tzatziki sauce as a dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or alongside grilled meats.

Note: Tzatziki can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you find that the sauce has become too watery after refrigeration, you can drain off the excess liquid and give it a stir before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Greek Tzatziki sauce!