Easy Traditional Greek Gyros
Try this Easy Traditional Greek Gyros recipe.
Try this Easy Traditional Greek Gyros recipe.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 3 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons greek yogurt
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt (i used full fat)
- 1/2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup pitted green olives
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 1 pepperoncini, diced (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 - (2-3) pound boneless pork shoulder roast (or butt)
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 4-8 [homemade | http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/traditional-greek-
- 1/2 cup fresh cherry tomatoes halved, for serving
- 1 red onion thinly sliced for serving
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese for serving
- 1/4 hothouse cucumber peeled and seeded and diced small
- 1 large clove garlic grated (or finely minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon, dried dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juiced
- Carbohydrate 7.78318107314172 g
- Cholesterol 25.2597864964757 mg
- Fat 15.5968829570922 g
- Fiber 2.69015369496798 g
- Protein 5.20793853970461 g
- Saturated Fat 5.57537584906289 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 GENEROUSLY (107g)
- Sodium 612.063151065709 mg
- Sugar 5.09302737817374 g
- Trans Fat 0.698079162392332 g
- Calories 184 calories
Step-by-step
- Spray a crockpot with cooking spray. Add the onions and garlic.
- In a small bowl combine the oregano, dill, paprika, cayenne, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper. Sprinkle the pork with half of the spice mixture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the pork and sear on all sides until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side). Try and get a really good caramelization on the meat.
- Add pork to the prepared crockpot and sprinkle with the remaining seasonings and any drippings from the pan. To the crockpot add the 1/3 cup olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, greek yogurt and 3/4 cup of water. Cover and cook on low, 8 hours. or high for 4-6 hours. If possible check the pork a few times during cooking. If needed add some water to keep the meat moist.
- To prepare the tzatziki pour any liquid off the surface of the greek yogurt. (I find it is best to use full fat greek yogurt for this, but 2% works ok as well. You want the yogurt to be thick, so if your greek yogurt seems thin strain it through a fine mesh strainer). Mix together the greek yogurt, diced cucumber, garlic, white wine vinegar, dill, oregano, salt and pepper to taste, and lemon juice. Drizzle with olive oil. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- If making the tapenade, dice the olives and mix in a small bowl with the garlic, pepperoncini and parsley. Set aside in the fridge until read to serve.
- After 8 hours (or 4-6 on high) remove the pork and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to touch shred the pork with two forks, it should fall apart easily. Return the pork to the crockpot and toss with the onions. Crank the heat to high. Allow the pork to get warm for five minutes.
- Heat pitas (I just popped them in the microwave for a few seconds). Top with chicken, tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese and tapenade if using. Serve immediately.
My Favorite Weeknight Greek Feast: Easy Traditional Greek Gyros
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like an impossible task. But trust me, this Easy Traditional Greek Gyros recipe is a lifesaver! It's incredibly flavorful, relatively quick to prepare (especially using a slow cooker), and utterly satisfying. The beautiful thing about this recipe is its adaptability. You can adjust the spice levels to your preference, add or subtract ingredients based on what you have on hand, and even make it ahead of time for a stress-free weeknight dinner. Gone are the days of takeout every time we’re short on time! This recipe allows you to indulge in a taste of Greece without the fuss.
The slow cooker does most of the work, rendering the pork shoulder incredibly tender and juicy. The result? Fall-apart meat that’s perfectly seasoned with a vibrant blend of Greek herbs and spices. The homemade tzatziki sauce is the perfect complement – creamy, tangy, and refreshingly cool against the warm, savory pork. And let's not forget the pita bread, the perfect vessel to hold this deliciousness. A simple side salad of fresh tomatoes and red onion adds a fresh, crunchy contrast. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. The best part? Cleaning up is a breeze thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. This meal is my go-to when I need a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s also easy on the schedule and the dishes.
The Secret to Success: Slow and Low
The key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth pork is slow cooking. The low and slow method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the meat to become incredibly tender. While I’ve provided specific cooking times, you can adjust them depending on your slow cooker and the size of your pork shoulder. Just remember, it's better to err on the side of caution and cook it a bit longer rather than undercook it. You can also easily adapt this recipe for other cuts of meat, such as chicken or beef. Experiment and find your favorite variation.
Beyond the Gyros: Endless Possibilities
This recipe isn’t just limited to gyros. The tender, flavorful pork is versatile enough to be used in a variety of dishes. You could shred it and add it to tacos, salads, or even pasta dishes. The homemade tzatziki sauce is equally versatile. It’s delicious as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or even a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!
A Taste of Home: The Importance of Flavor
As a homemaker, creating delicious meals for my family is a priority. This recipe isn't just about providing nourishment; it’s about bringing people together around a shared table, savoring the tastes and aromas of a well-cooked meal. This recipe embodies the heart of home-cooked goodness—a simple yet satisfying meal that showcases the best of Greek cuisine. The blend of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and juicy meat creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It's a meal that's both simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a special occasion. It reminds me of family gatherings and the joy of sharing delicious food with those you love.
Make it Your Own: Adapting the Recipe
This recipe is a starting point. Feel free to experiment and adjust it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. If you prefer spicier food, add more cayenne pepper. If you don't have kalamata olives, use another type of olive. If you're vegetarian, swap the pork for a hearty vegetable such as roasted eggplant or mushrooms. The beauty of cooking is in its adaptability. Embrace it and create a dish that reflects your unique style and preferences.
Enjoy the Journey: Embrace the Simplicity
Cooking should be enjoyable, and this recipe is designed to make it just that. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients combined to create something truly special. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the ones that are made with love and simple, fresh ingredients. So gather your family, fire up your slow cooker, and let the aromas of this Easy Traditional Greek Gyros transport you to the sunny shores of Greece – all from the comfort of your own home.
