HOMEMADE TRADITIONAL GYRO - VIDEO

Homemade Traditional Gyro - Video image

Provided by Didi Dalaba

Categories Beef

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 18

GYRO
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground lamb
1/2 lb ground pork optional
1/2 c plain bread crumbs (not panko)
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp garlic powder
1-1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
TZATZIKI SAUCE:
16 oz container, plain greek yogurt
1 medium cucumber, shredded (or processed in food processor), strained well
3 clove garlic, pressed
2 Tbsp fresh dill or mint ( prefer mint), finely chopped
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
salt to taste

Steps:

1. Peel and remove seeds from the cucumber. You can grate the cucumber by hand or use a mini food processor/silver bullet (much easier). Strain in a fine sieve and using the back of a spoon, press as much liquid as you can out. Set aside to continue straining. In a small bowl, add the remaining of your ingredients except the yogurt. Pressing as much liquid as you can from the cucumber, add to the ingredients in the bowl, stir. Add your yogurt and mix well. Adjust for seasonings. Cover and place in refrigerator till ready to use.
2. For the Gyro; Place all your meats and seasonings in the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment. Start it off slowly, mix the ingredients together for about 1 minute. After that, turn it up as high as it will go without your meat flying out. Let it go for 3-5 minutes or until your meat looks emulsified and even. I always go the full 5 minutes. Mold it into a log and placed it on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 45-55 minutes. Toast your pita bread in a frying pan using NOTHING but heat. Flip over after about 30 seconds or so... Lay your toasted pita on a piece of aluminum foil (this is just for dramatic effect, trust me, it looks so darn pretty, plus it helps to roll the stuffed pita) Add your tzatziki sauce, sprinkle liberally with feta cheese. Add your veggies of choice (I added chopped green onion, chopped cucumber and various lettuce leaves), then add the now gently browned meat on top. Enjoy!