Mile High Gyros With Tzatziki Sauce

FOR GYRO MEAT YOU WILL NEED:

2 LBS GROUND MEAT (WE USED BEEF)

1 LARGE RED ONION, FINELY PROCESSED AND STRAINED

5 CLOVES MINCED GARLIC

1 TBS MARJORAM

1 TBS ROSEMARY

1 TBS OREGANO

4 TSP KOSHER SALT

4 TSP PEPPER

FOR TZATZIKI SAUCE YOU WILL NEED:

1 CUP FULL FAT GREEK YOGURT

1 TBS OIL (WE USED AVOCADO OIL)

2 TSP LEMON JUICE

2 TSP FRESHLY MINCED DILL

2 TSP FRESHLY MINCED PARSLEY

2 CLOVES MINCED GARLIC

1 1/2 CUP ENGLISH CUCUMBER, GRATED AND STRAINED

1/2 TSP SALT

In a large bowl mix together the onion, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. Once combined add the meat and mix. I used my hands but I think this step would be more efficient in a food processor. You are really going for a squishy texture, not a burger texture. Once it is mixed and squished to your satisfaction, press into a greased pan. We used a round, metal pan but I think any kind would work. Be sure to press all the air bubbles out as you form the loaf. This will make for a firm texture and easier slicing! Leave the loaf in the fridge for at least an hour before baking. You could also leave overnight for extra flavor melding. While the gyro meat grooves in the fridge you can put together the simple but delicious tzatziki sauce ready.

To make the sauce combine the yogurt, oil, dill, parsley, garlic, cucumber, and salt. DONE! Mix, cover, and put in the fridge overnight for maximum flavor explosion.

Your meat has probably been chillin’ long enough so it’s time to remove it from the fridge and bake at 325F for 45 minutes to an hour. Bake until internal temperature is 155, it should continue cooking to 160 after you remove it from the oven. Once baked, cool and let rest in the fridge overnight. Tomorrow is going to be a delicious day!

It is time! Before cooking the gyro meat heat the naan… Recipe below or video here https://youtu.be/fxdnlkJxnMM

Remove the meat from the fridge and slice. Our best slices were the thinnest so I’d recommend slicing as thin as you can. Heat oil in a cast iron pan and lay your slices down. Once they are getting a good crisp around the edge, flip and crisp the other side. You will know they are done if the smell is overwhelming and you just can’t take it any longer.

Assemble! Thinly sliced cucumber, onion, and tomato are the way to go. Crumbled feta would also be good. We had some but were so excited we forgot to add it. Don’t forget to load up on tzatziki sauce!

Enjoy and Carey On!