Gyro Dip Recipes

HOMEMADE GREEK GYROS WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE (KEBABS*)

Steps:

• Run the onion in a food processor for about 15 seconds. Place the onion in the center of a kitchen towel and squeeze out the juice and return to the food processor.
• Add the meat, garlic, spices, salt and pepper to the onion, and process. Do so until it looks like a fine paste, about a minute. Place the mixture in a loaf pan and press evenly.
• Bake in a water bath (place loaf pan inside another pan filled with water) at 325°F (165°C) for about an hour or more until temperature reaches 165-170°F (75°C.)
• Remove from the oven, drain fat, and place on a cooling rack.
• Cover meat with aluminum foil and a heavy weight (Alton suggests a brick) for about 15 minutes until internal temperature is 175°F (79°C) (I found the times are not quite accurate, and I didn't know if the brick actually had an effect, but I think the important part is getting the meat to the correct temperature.)
• Place meat on a cutting board and slice as thinly as possible with an electric knife (using anything else would be much more difficult.)
• I added the following step myself as I think it mimics the rotisserie a bit more. Add a few slices to a nonstick frying pan (very little or no oil) and heat gently until the meat browns a little.
• In another pan, heat the pita bread.
• Finally, place the meat on one half of the pita, topped with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. You could also put a little Greek dressing on the tomatoes too (extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt, oregano.)
• Serve Homemade Greek Gyros with rice pilaf or a Greek salad, and enjoy!

AUTHENTIC TZATZIKI SAUCE RECIPE (GREEK YOGURT, CUCUMBER DIP)

Steps:

• To prepare this authentic Greek tzatziki sauce recipe, remove the skin and the seeds of the cucumber and grate it into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and leave aside for 10 minutes.
• Afterwards, wrap the grated cucumber in a towel and squeeze, in order to get rid of the excess water.
• Assemble the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, add the cucumber, the minced garlic and olive oil, the yogurt, 1-2 tbsps of red wine vinegar, a pinch of salt and blend, until the ingredients are combined. Store the tzatziki sauce in the fridge and always serve cold. (Alternatively, if you have a blender, pour in the olive oil and garlic and blend until combined. Then mix with the rest of the ingredients using a spoon. This will help the garlic to mix better with the rest of the ingredients).
• Prepare this traditional tzatziki sauce for your friends and family and serve as a delicious dip with some warm pita breads aside, or as a sauce for Greek-style souvlaki. Enjoy!

GREEK LAYERED DIP WITH PITA CHIPS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 1 or 2 baking sheets with foil. Cut the pita rounds into eighths. Split each piece in two and place on the prepared baking sheet(s), with the inside of the bread facing up. Spray with the olive oil cooking spray and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of the Greek seasoning. Bake 7 to 10 minutes, or until golden.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown the ground lamb with the garlic salt and the remaining 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning. Drain and set aside. In a shallow 1 1/2-quart dish, spread the hummus on the bottom. Top with a layer of ground lamb, then the tzatziki. Layer with the lettuce, tomatoes, onion, olives and feta. Serve the dip at room temperature with pita chips.

GYRO DIP

Steps:

• Mix together sour cream and mayo. Spread on a platter or place in a 9 x 13 dish.
• Top with dill, feta and cucumber. Place steak um on and then red onion cherry tomatoes and black olives.
• Chill for at least and hour. Serve with Pita Chips
• I make my pita chips by cutting them into strips about 5 strips per bread. Then cut the strips into about a 1 to 1/2 " piece. I then fry them in oil. First batch takes a little longer while the other batches tend to cook much quicker. Place in a bowl with paper towel. Sprinkle each batch wth dill, Parmesan cheese and garlic salt.