Gyroll 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!

GROUND BEEF GYROLL

Steps:

• In a large skillet cook the beef with garlic, onion and red pepper flakes until browned (about 10-12 minutes) drain fat.
• Add in oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese and chopped mushrooms; cook for about 2-3 minutes; remove from heat and set aside.
• If you are using homemade pizza dough, then separate into two even pieces.
• Roll out prepared pizza dough into TWO 11 x 7-inch rectangles.
• Sprinkle HALF the crumbled feta cheese (or mozza cheese if using) on the top of one crust, then HALF of the olives on top of the feta cheese, then spoon HALF of the beef mixture on top of the olives.
• Roll up starting at the long end, sealing both edges as you roll.
• Seal the seam across the roll and then tuck both edges under.
• Repeat with the remaining pizza dough and remaining fillings.
• Place the gyrolls on a lightly greased baking sheet.
• Lightly brush with oil, then sprinkle each with about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (these amounts do not have to be exact).
• Bake in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes.
• Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and continue baking for about 35 minutes more, or until golden.

GROUND BEEF GYROS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. Chill. In a large bowl, combine seasonings; crumble beef over mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 4 patties. , Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°. Cut patties into thin slices; stuff into pita halves. Add lettuce, tomato and onion. Serve with the yogurt sauce.

EASY LAMB GYROS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Spray a large loaf pan with cooking spray.
• Combine lamb, Greek seasoning, and egg in a bowl. Mix until ingredients are very well combined (overmixing is preferable here.) Firmly press mixture into the prepared loaf pan, making sure there are no air pockets under the meat. Cover with foil.
• Cook in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), about 2 hours.
• Remove from the oven and let rest, covered, until all the grease on top is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove meat from the pan and cut into thin slices.
• Load meat into the center of warmed pitas. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.