Gyro Pitas & Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
Recipe Type: Main Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean, Picnic
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8-10
I’ve been wanting to experiment with these for a while! So easy to whip up in your crock pot (I should try meatloaf this way someday!), and you can easily freeze the meat to use later! Perfect for assembling lots of sandwiches for your next picnic or BBQ.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 lb ground beef (not extra lean)
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp greek seasoning (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp each black pepper and salt
- 1 tsp dried onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 10 whole wheat pitas
- Toppings: romaine, tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, homemade tzatziki sauce (see below)
- For Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 plain greek yogurt + 1/2 cup tart, regular plain yogurt (I like Trader Joe’s Australian style)
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cucumber, seeded and chopped finely
- 1 1/2 tbsp chopped dill
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sugar
- salt and pepper, to taste (I used about 1/2 tsp each)
- dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine onion and all spices in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped and incorporated. Remove majority of mixture and set aside.
- Add meat to food processor and pulse a few times until combined. Slowly stir into spice mixture.
- Form into two large mounds and set into crock pot. Flatten slightly.
- Pour lemon juice on top of meat and cook on high for 2-3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 160 deg.
- Remove and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- For Tzatziki Sauce:
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and chill at least 30 min, or up to 1 week. Spread on gyro meat or pita during assembly.
Claire Tastes 
Published by