Pita Gyros

Pita gyros komt uit Griekenland en is geïnspireerd door de Turkse döner kebab. Het woord "gyros" betekent letterlijk "draaien" in het Grieks, verwijzend naar het draaien van het vlees op een verticale spit. Het gerecht ontstond in de jaren 1920, toen Griekse immigranten uit Klein-Azië de techniek naar Griekenland brachten. Gyros werd populair in de jaren 1960 en 1970, vaak geserveerd met pita en tzatziki. Tegenwoordig is het wereldwijd een geliefd streetfood gerecht.

Ingredients:

For the Gyros:

1 lb (450g) pork, chicken, or lamb (cut into thin strips or pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Fries:

4 large potatoes (such as Russet potatoes)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Salt to taste
Optional: Paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor

To Assemble:

4-6 pita breads
Fresh vegetables: tomatoes (sliced), red onion (thinly sliced), lettuce, and/or cucumber
Optional: Feta cheese, olives

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gyros:

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the meat to the bowl and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the fridge.

2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Make the Fries:

Peel the potatoes (if desired) and cut them into fries about 1 cm thick.
Rinse the fries under cold water to remove excess starch, then soak them in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you have the time).
Heat enough vegetable oil in a large pan or deep fryer to submerge the fries. Heat the oil to 325°F (165°C) for the first fry.
Drain and pat the fries dry with a towel. Fry them in small batches for 4-5 minutes until they are soft but not browned.
Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the second fry.
Fry the potatoes again in small batches for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fries from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt (and optional paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor).

4. Cook the Meat:

Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated meat and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

5. Warm the Pita:

Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven for 5 minutes.

6. Assemble the Pita Gyros:

Place a warm pita on a plate and spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
Add the cooked meat, followed by fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and lettuce.
Optionally, add feta cheese or olives for extra flavor.

7. Serve with Fries:

Serve the pita gyros with a side of crispy fries or even add the fries inside the pita for an extra filling meal.