Name: Hilltop Tap Houses Yanni's Gyro Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 0.375 lbs ground lamb; 0.375 lbs ground beef; 0.25 cups onion, grated; 1 tsp fresh garlic, minced; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.25 tsp ground cumin; 0.25 tsp ground coriander; 0.75 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 1 tbs olive oil; 1 each pita bread (6–8 inch); 0.25 cups red onion, thinly sliced; 0.5 cups tomato, diced or sliced; 1 oz feta cheese (optional); 0.5 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat); 0.25 cups cucumber, seeded and finely grated; 1 tbs fresh dill, chopped; 1 tsp lemon juice; 0.5 tsp garlic, minced; 0.5 tsp olive oil; 0.25 tsp salt; 0.125 tsp black pepper

Method

Gyro meat

Prepare meat mixture

In a medium bowl combine ground lamb and ground beef. Add grated onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix until spices are evenly distributed but avoid overworking the meat to keep it tender.

Form and cook

Shape the mixture into a compact loaf or into 6 oz portions. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the loaf or portions on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side) until browned. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 8–12 more minutes depending on thickness. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) on a lined sheet for 20–25 minutes until 160°F.

Rest and slice

Let the cooked meat rest 5 minutes. Thinly slice or crumble the meat into bite-sized strips suitable for stuffing a pita. Keep warm.

Tzatziki sauce

Prepare the cucumber: grate cucumber, then squeeze out excess water using a fine mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel until mostly dry.

In a small bowl combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as desired. Chill at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld; can be made up to 24 hours ahead.

Assemble pita

Warm the pita: heat pita briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat 30–45 seconds per side or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

Layer pita: place warmed pita on a plate. Spread 1–2 tablespoons tzatziki down the center of the pita.

Add meat and toppings: place 6 ounces (about the prepared portion) of sliced gyro meat on top of the tzatziki. Add sliced red onion (about 1/4 cup) and diced/sliced tomato (about 1/2 cup). If desired, sprinkle 1 ounce of feta on top for an additional charge.

Fold and serve: fold pita around fillings, wrap in parchment or foil if serving to go. Serve immediately while warm.