Ground Lamb Gyros (Greek Tacos)
If you've ever had authentic Greek gyros, sliced of a huge cone of meat that is sliced off a vertical rotisseries, you know how delicious this is. This recipe is a simplified version that you can easily make at home. The seasoning blend of cumin, cinnamon and other easy to find spices give an authentic flavor that you will love. Slice this Greek seasoned meat, serve it with pita bread, and garnish with tomatoes and tzaziki sauce, and you have a Greek-themed meal that you will love!
Servings 8 servings
Calories 601kcal
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen spinach 10 oz
- 2 pounds ground lamb or half ground lamb and half ground beef
- 2 teaspoons grill seasoning recommended: Montreal Grill Seasoning
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin divided
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2-3 pinches ground cinnamon
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the tzaziki sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or drained regular yogurt
- 1 clove small garlic grated
- 1/4 cucumber peeled and grated
- 1 lemon juiced
- 8 pita breads
GARNISH:
- 2 vine ripe tomatoes thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced
- Hot pepper rings sliced banana peppers, for sandwich garnish
- fresh sprouts optional
- lettuce optional, if not using sprouts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
For the tzatziki sauce:
- Mix yogurt, a grated clove of garlic, cucumber, the juice of 1 lemon and 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Set aside, chill in refrigerator.
- Slice the tomatoes and remaining cucumber.
- Defrost spinach in microwave and squeeze out the moisture. NOTE: I use my potato ricer to squeeze out the water.
- Place the ground lamb (or combination of lamb and beef) in a bowl. Add grill seasoning, 2 teaspoons cumin, chili powder, coriander, oregano, cinnamon and feta crumbles. Add the spinach. Mix up the lamb, seasonings and spinach, and form a long 3-inch roll on a baking sheet. Coat lamb with extra-virgin olive oil and bake 20 minutes.
- Soften pita over open gas flame or under broiler.
- Slice lamb loaf into 1/4-inch slices. Spread tzatziki sauce on pitas and top with a 2 slices of lamb, tomatoes, cucumbers and any other garnishes (such as sprouts or lettuce) as you desire.