Homemade Greek Gyros with Pita Bread

While recently researching Aegean food , i stumbled upon this beauty and decided to give it a shot in the Hungry boy home kitchen for the weekend - But before i start writing about this cook , let me share with you that the most fun part about this was to play the various versions going on in my head about its correct pronunciation ! So , dear friends , the original yee-rohs ( without the hard 'G') is a Greek sandwich made of rotisserie'd lamb / chicken , lots of fresh veggies and oodles of tzatziki sauce . Also , as a word , it is singular in nature and when you says Gyros , it would mean one gyros and not a plateful . Matched together with home made Pita bread , this flavor bomb was a treat to make and a super easy weekday quick fix .

Also , if you are thinking healthy food and the secret to healthy living , then Greek food would most definitely find itself in the spotlight for it’s right use of fresh herbs and spices along with protein packed greek yogurt and flavorful meat . Event as i write this , I cant wait to plan my next travel to the Aegean and experience the best food this region has to offer . From donner kabab's to artisinal handmade breads , cheese and fresh spices , this belt is a food lovers paradise . Coming to the Pita making part , let me assure you that making Pita bread at home , is a super easy task and once you have done the proofing of the yeast right , i can bet that you will go back to making this over and over again . If you are not making a gyros , then pair hot , off - the pan fresh pita with some simple home made hummus - with a dash of olive oil and trust me , you will be in for a food-gas-mic ride .

Summary to make Home made Pita Bread

To make the dough - 1st , activate one tbsp of dry yeast by mixing it with warm water and a teaspoon of sugar. When the yeast mixture blooms , add it to 02 cups of flour with some salt, 01 tbsp oil and 01 tbsp yogurt. Knead the dough by hand, until it’s soft and let it sit for 02 hour to proof in a well oiled bowl . Use a rolling pin to roll the dough balls into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick circles and sit them to proof again for 01 hour. In a hot tawa , cook the pita ( like you would do a chapati ) till you see them puff up and form air pockets . Keep aside !

Assembling the yummy Gyros

Making the Tzatziki Sauce

Start by grating the cucumber - I would recommend that you to use 02 English seedless cucumbers . Next , using a sieve , squeeze all the liquid out from the grated cucumber and keep aside . In a mixing bowl , combine 03 pods of finely chopped garlic with 01 tsp of white vinegar, 02 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt . To this , add in the drained cucumber and finally , stir in the Greek full fat yogurt ( If you are using normal yogurt , just ensure to drain out the extra water , if any ) . Adjust the seasoning and stir until everything is well combined. To change things up a little , you can replace the cucumber with finely sliced cabbage or add a little bit of freshness with dill or mint as well .

For the Meat : You can use any meat of your choice - I have used lamb here , but you can use chicken , as well . Pre -marinate the meat with onion paste , chopped onion - ginger , - garlic , handful of fresh coriander , salt and red chilli powder ( as per your own taste ) - feel free to experiment with the seasoning as you would for any grill . Grill the meat in a grill pan for 20-30 mins till done . Better still , if slightly charred :)

Once done organizing all the elements , open up the pita bread and stuff the pita pockets with lots of fresh lettuce , lots if Tzatziki sauce , finely sliced onion , sliced tomatoes & grilled meat The Greek Gyros is ready to be devoured ! Pair with Potato Wedges as sides !