What is gyros?

Gyros recipe is a traditional Greek dish, consisting of thinly sliced ​​meat, usually chicken or pork, wrapped in thin round bread (gyros pita). To enrich the taste of the meat, we will marinate it in spices. In addition to meat, the main ingredients are French fries, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and tzatziki sauce. The word gyros (γύρος) in literal translation means “turning”, referring to the way this dish is prepared, specifically roasting on a vertical skewer.

History and origin

Although gyros is now a symbol of Greek cuisine, its roots trace back to Anatolia, part of present-day Turkey. Recipe originated as a variation of Turkish kebab, becoming popular in Greece during the 20th century, as well as in certain parts of America.

Ingredients

• Meat
  Meat is the heart and soul of gyros. Traditionally, chicken, lamb, or pork are used. We recommend marinating the meat to achieve a richer and fuller flavor. Read more about marinating here.
• Spices
  Spices are crucial for the taste and aroma. Typical spices include garlic, paprika, oregano, rosemary, and pepper.
• Tzatziki sauce
  Tzatziki sauce is an essential part of gyros and consists of Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and olive oil. You can view the recipe for tzatziki sauce by clicking here.
• Vegetables
  Gyros is often served with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, cucumber, and lettuce. It contributes to the taste of the dish.
• French fries
  French fries are an optional addition; you can add them or not.
• Pita
  Gyros is most commonly served in pita or tortilla. It serves as the base of gyros. If you don’t want to prepare pita, store-bought tortillas can suffice, but we recommend making them yourself because there is a noticeable difference in taste.
  

Preparation

• Meat preparation
  You can prepare the meat on a vertical grill or fry it in a pan. You can marinate the meat a day in advance, in which case keep it in the refrigerator until preparation.
• Pita preparation
  It is best to stretch the pita by hand, gently tapping the dough from the center to the edges, so the tortillas will be soft and airy. Avoid using a rolling pin.
• Tzatziki sauce preparation
  Instead of Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream, and spices to your taste.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Gyros

Author: Aleksandar Cuisine: Greek Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 2 hour Total Time 2 hrs

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

Marinade

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (50 ml)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoons pepper
• lemon juice (half a lemon)

Tzatziki sauce

• 1 cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¹⁄₂ cup greek yogurt (150 grams)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt

Gyros pita

• 4 cups flour (500 gr)
• yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoons salt
• 100 milliliters milk
• 50 milliliters yogurt
• 50 milliliters oil

Others

• tomatoes
• potatoes

Instructions

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, finely grated garlic, ground coriander, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

2. Add thinly sliced ​​chicken meat, mix well, and let it marinate.

Gyros pita

1. Mix all the ingredients for the dough to make a softer dough that doesn't stick, and let it rise (about 45 minutes).

2. Divide the dough into four balls and roll each into a flatbread about 5 mm thick.

3. Heat a pan and cook the flatbreads for 2 - 3 minutes on each side. Set aside the cooked flatbreads and cover them to keep them soft and warm.

Tzatziki sauce

1. Finely grate and drain excess liquid from the cucumber. Add grated garlic, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and a little salt. Mix well and set aside.

2. Heat a little oil in a pan and add the meat. Fry it for a minute or two on each side.

3. Fry the French fries.

4. Spread tzatziki sauce on the tortilla, place chicken meat in the middle, add tomato slices and French fries on top of the meat, then fold it in half and wrap it halfway with foil to secure it.

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