Photo and Recipe by Angie's RecipesThe Gyro sandwich has been made by the people of Greece, the Middle East and Turkey for hundreds of years. Small variations on the recipe as well as it's name may change according to geographical origin and language.
Arabs call it "Shawurma" - Turks call it "Kebabi" or "Doner Kebab" - and Greeks call it "Gyro". Put simply, it's a rotissaried lamb (chicken or beef) sandwich on pita bread with grilled vegetables, and seasoning.
Even if you've never eaten one, you're sure to recognize a Gyro by the unique, vertical spit on which the seasoned meat is packed. As the cylinder/spit revolves over a flame, the meat grills to perfection. Slices are are then shaved from it's surface and packed into pita bread with lettuce, tomato and onion.
Even if you've never eaten one, you're sure to recognize a Gyro by the unique, vertical spit on which the seasoned meat is packed. As the cylinder/spit revolves over a flame, the meat grills to perfection. Slices are are then shaved from it's surface and packed into pita bread with lettuce, tomato and onion.
The final step is the addition of "tzatziki" sauce, made with Greek style yogurt, diced cucumbers, dill weed, garlic and vinegar. Counteracting the spiciness of the meat, tzatziki sauce adds so much "CREAMY FRESH" to the sandwich, marrying nicely with the veggies and bringing out all the flavors of the meat.
One of the very best recipes I have seen for a homemade Gyro can be viewed on Angie's Recipes where Angie covers Gyro seasonings, tzatziki sauce and pita bread in great, user friendly detail. She's amazing!
While the Gyro may look similar to a Falafel Sandwich, there is quite a difference in the combination of spices used, cooking technique, and of course, the Falafel is meatless. On the other hand, both are ancient, and very delicious.
We really like gyros and made some the last time I smoked leg of lamb - definitely good eats.
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteLovely!
I am missing my UAE Stay after seeing the photo!!
My wife and I love gyros! Good gyros and quality tzatziki sauce are hard to find down here in East Tennessee... Big Daddy Dave
ReplyDeleteLOVE that you pronounced it properly! You know, you're just tormenting me when you dangle things like this and falafel and such in front of me ....
ReplyDeleteYes, I saw this sandwich at Angie's site! Just so mouthwatering. And I am truly appreciate for all the details and info you've gathered for us. Thank you and hope you're enjoying your day.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Kristy
Keri, thanks, for the extra exposure! :-)) That's very sweet of you.
ReplyDeleteAngie
Don't ask me why, but the yogurt on these sandwiches just doesn't work for me.
ReplyDeleteI guess I don't like yogurt in savory situations because it becomes mayo-like for me. And I think I've made it pretty clear how I feel about mayo.
More important than anything about the gyro is the pronunciation, so thank you for making that clear. It's nails on a chalkboard when I hear "j-eye-roh". Almost as bad as "expresso."
Hey K !
ReplyDeleteLOVE the Gyro ! And I second Yenta Mary about you highlighting the proper pronunciation ! My oldest friend from high school days is Greek and taught me the proper way to say it. I still have friends and family, in spite of me sharing the correct way to pronounce it, still want to botch it up and say: "JIE-ROW" Makes me cringe !!!!!
Just recently discovered an amazing spot to get them, about 40 minutes from my place and worth the trip.
That is one beauttttiful gyro!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog; happy I found you!
Mary xo
Delightful Bitefuls