Tzatziki
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup radish, julienned
1 cup English cucumber, ¼” chop
3 TBS shallot, minced
3 TBS fresh dill, chopped
4 TBS fresh chive, minced
2 TBS fresh mint, finely chopped
1 TBS lemon or lime juice
1 TBS apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
PREPARATION
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Keep in an air tight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Gyro Meat
INGREDIENTS
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 lb 85% lean ground beef
1 lb ground lamb
¼ cup (or about 2 strips) bacon, ground
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
4 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp cracked pepper
2 tsp fresh oregano, minced
1 tsp fresh marjoram, minced (if you can’t find, add more oregano)
1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
1 tsp thyme
½ tsp cumin
1 lemon, zest & juice
2 eggs, room temperature & whisked
½ cup whole milk
½-1 cup panko
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350*
In a food processor, puree the onion until it is a smooth paste consistency. Drain the excess moisture from the onion by placing the pureed mixture onto a double layer of paper towels over a small bowl. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes then gently squeeze the bundle like a sponge, careful to not break the towel. Note: There will still be moisture in the onion mixture, just not a lot of extra water.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients including the strained onion puree. Use a wooden spoon initially, then roll up your sleeves and use your hands to carefully incorporate all the ingredients. Note: Unlike meatballs or a meat loaf which you want to be light and delicate, it is okay for this gyro mixture to be more dense and mixed.
Divide mixture into 3 equal sections and bake in standard loaf pans for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160*. Allow to rest 10 minutes then slice ¼” thick lengthwise. For extra texture and to replicate the sear from a traditional rotisserie, sear strips in a touch of oil in a non stick pan until golden brown and bragging with great texture just before serving.
TO BUILD A GYRO
Layer a pita with Little Leaf Lettuce, seared gyro meat, spicy radish tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, red onion and cucumber. Enjoy!