Traditional Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables
Discover the authentic taste of traditional Greek gyros with this comprehensive guide. Perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends, this recipe will bring Mediterranean flavors straight to your table. Learn how to make soft pita bread, flavorful marinated meat, creamy tzatziki, and fresh vegetable fillings to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
To ensure this recipe is easy to follow and precise, here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients. The nutritional information is approximate and based on one serving (1 gyro).
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Value per 1 Gyro |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 250g | 91 kcal |
| Bread flour (Manitoba) | 250g | 91 kcal |
| Water | 300ml | 0 kcal |
| Active dry yeast | 4g | 12 kcal |
| Fine salt | 12g | 0 kcal |
| Malt | 1 tsp | 20 kcal |
| Extra-virgin olive oil (dough) | 30g | 270 kcal |
| Extra-virgin olive oil (pita prep) | 3 tbsp | 360 kcal |
| Iceberg lettuce | 200g | 30 kcal |
| Black pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| White onion | 1 (medium) | 40 kcal |
| Pork loin | 1kg | 1,650 kcal |
| Vine tomatoes | 200g | 36 kcal |
| French fries | 400g | 600 kcal |
| Cucumber | 1 (medium) | 16 kcal |
| White wine vinegar | 2 tbsp | 6 kcal |
| Garlic cloves | 4 | 16 kcal |
| Fresh dill | 3 sprigs | 1 kcal |
| Greek yogurt | 400g | 220 kcal |
| Extra-virgin olive oil (tzatziki) | 4 tbsp | 480 kcal |
| Fine salt | To taste | 0 kcal |
Approximate Nutritional Values per Gyro:
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to craft your homemade gyros from scratch.
1. Prepare the Meat
- Slice the pork loin: Use a sharp knife or a meat slicer to cut the pork into thin slices. The slices should be very thin, almost paper-like, to achieve the traditional texture.
- Season the meat: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it with a drizzle of olive oil. Lay out the meat slices on the tray and season them generously with black pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the Pita Bread
- Mix the dough: Combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, fine salt, malt, yeast, and water in a large mixing bowl. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Add olive oil gradually to make the dough elastic and shiny.
- Proof the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and cook: Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a flat circle. Cook on a hot griddle or skillet, lightly greased with olive oil, until golden brown and puffed.
3. Fry the French Fries
- Prepare the fries: Cut potatoes into thin sticks if using fresh ones, or use frozen fries for convenience.
- Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Fry the potatoes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
4. Prepare the Tzatziki
- Grate the cucumber: Peel the cucumber and grate it finely. Squeeze out excess liquid using a cheesecloth or a fine sieve.
- Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt to taste. Chill in the refrigerator until needed.
5. Prep the Vegetables
- Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds.
- Onions: Peel and thinly slice the white onion into rings.
- Lettuce: Wash the iceberg lettuce and pat it dry. Chop it into bite-sized pieces.
6. Cook the Meat
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the seasoned pork slices for 15-20 minutes or until they are fully cooked and slightly crispy around the edges.
7. Assemble the Gyros
- Lay a warm pita flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce over the pita.
- Add a handful of lettuce, a few slices of tomato, and onion rings.
- Layer the cooked pork slices over the vegetables.
- Top with a small portion of crispy French fries for the signature gyros touch.
- Fold the pita tightly around the filling, starting from the bottom to create a cone shape. Wrap the base with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier handling.
8. Heat and Serve
- Place the wrapped gyros in a preheated oven for 2-3 minutes to warm them through.
- Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by extra tzatziki and a side of fries or a Greek salad.
Tips for Success
- Perfecting the pita: Ensure your griddle is hot enough to cook the pita quickly, which helps them puff up beautifully.
- Customizing the meat: For an authentic gyros experience, try marinating the pork with olive oil, garlic, and a mix of Greek herbs overnight.
- Tzatziki texture: Always drain the cucumber well to prevent the tzatziki from becoming too watery.
Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of these homemade gyros. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or a casual dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
