Lamb Gyros

Here’s a flavorful recipe for Lamb Gyros with all the classic ingredients:

Ingredients:

For the Lamb:

• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gyros:

• 4 pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• Lettuce leaves (optional)
• Feta cheese crumbles (optional)

Instructions:

Lamb Preparation:

1. Cook Lamb: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Season and Brown Lamb: Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in oregano, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the lamb is browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Stir in fresh parsley if using.
3. Drain: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Set the lamb aside and keep warm.

Tzatziki Sauce:

1. Prepare Cucumber: Grate the cucumber, then squeeze out excess water using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembly:

1. Warm Pita: Lightly warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or in the oven.
2. Assemble Gyros: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita. Top with cooked lamb, sliced red onion, tomato, cucumber, and lettuce if desired. Sprinkle with feta cheese for extra flavor.
3. Wrap: Fold the pita over the filling and serve immediately.

Enjoy your Lamb Gyros with a side of fries or salad for a complete meal!