Why did the gyro go to school?

To become a little more well-rounded!

One dad joke for start and now we can move on.

What we talk about when we talk about gyro, or gyros, famous greek meal?

Gyros, a beloved Greek dish, originated as a flavorful street food made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is seasoned with a blend of spices, stacked in layers, and slowly roasted to perfection. Served in a warm pita with tomatoes, onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, gyros offer a delicious blend of savory and fresh flavors. This culinary delight has become popular worldwide, cherished for its rich taste and cultural heritage.

What is it made of?

If you ever wonder what is gyro made of, make no mistake, it is all meat. Ofciurse there is now vegetarian version on every corner, but most of locals around Greece would tell you that its nonsense. Anyway, most important is next question.

History of Gyros

Grilling stacked meat on a vertical spit and slicing it, Wikipedia claims, originated in Bursa in the 19th century within the Ottoman Empire.

Some claim that after the 1922-23 population exchange between Greece and Turkey, Greeks brought their variation of this dish to Greece.

Following World War II some variation of this food, sometimes called döner kebab, appeared in Athens, likely introduced by immigrants from Anatolia and the Middle East. The Greek version is typically made with pork and served with tzatziki, becoming known as gyros.

So, is Gyros Turkish or Greek?

Booom… This is more politics than gastronomy. In Greece is dangerous to even think to say that something is Turkish (let say coffee). So, its by all means Greek, when you call it Gyros

What does it mean?

The word “gyros” comes from the Greek word “γύρος,” which means “turn” or “revolution.” This name refers to the way the meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, slowly turning as it roasts to ensure even cooking and a delicious, crispy exterior.

And what about Shawarma?

Around the Internet you could find a loto of questions on similarities of Gyro and Shawarma.

Shawarma and gyro are both popular dishes that feature seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Despite their similarities, they have distinct origins and characteristics.

Shawarma hails from the Middle East, particularly the Levant region (including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel). It is typically made from lamb, chicken, beef, or turkey, marinated in a blend of Middle Eastern spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, often with a yogurt or vinegar marinade. Shawarma is commonly served in pita bread or flatbreads, accompanied by garlic sauce, tahini, pickles, and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.

On the other hand, gyro originates from Greece. Traditionally, it is made from pork or chicken in Greece, but can also be made from lamb or beef, and is seasoned with Greek herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, along with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It is served in pita bread, with toppings such as tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce, a yogurt-based sauce.

Both shawarma and gyro feature meat that is stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical rotisserie and cooked slowly as it turns, ensuring an evenly cooked, crispy exterior. Despite these similarities, their unique spice blends and accompaniments reflect their distinct cultural backgrounds.

READ MORE History of Diners: How Greeks “Created” the Great American Type of Restaurant

Gyros recipe

And now the fun part.

Ingredients:

For the Meat:

• 2 pounds of pork shoulder (or chicken thighs)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Pita bread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced onions
• Chopped lettuce

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Meat:

• Slice the pork shoulder (or chicken) into thin strips.
• In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well.
• Add the meat to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

2. Cook the Meat:

• Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Thread the marinated meat onto skewers if using a grill, or cook directly in the skillet until the meat is cooked through and slightly crispy, about 8-10 minutes.

3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess water), minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Gyro:

• Warm the pita bread on the grill or in a skillet.
• Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita.
• Add the cooked meat, sliced tomatoes, onions, and chopped lettuce.
• Fold the pita around the fillings, wrapping it in parchment paper or foil to hold it together if desired.

Enjoy:

Serve your homemade gyro warm, with extra tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Greek feast!