Arab-style Gyros

Ingredients

In this Arab adaptation of Gyros, we infuse the dish with Middle Eastern flavors. The traditional Greek pita bread is replaced with fluffy Arabic flatbread, and the tzatziki sauce is substituted with a tangy tahini-based sauce. The meat is marinated with a blend of aromatic spices, giving it a distinct Middle Eastern taste. We alse have the original recipe for Gyros, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless lamb or chicken, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) boneless lamb or chicken, thinly sliced
• 4 Arabic flatbreads 4 Arabic flatbreads
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking Olive oil, for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced lamb or chicken to the marinade and toss until well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated meat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. 4.
   Warm the Arabic flatbreads in a dry skillet or oven.
5. 5.
   To assemble the gyros, spread a generous amount of the tahini-yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with the cooked meat, sliced onions, and tomatoes.
6. 6.
   Roll up the flatbread tightly, enclosing the filling. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Arab-style gyros warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb or chicken — For tender and juicy meat, slice it thinly against the grain.
• Tahini — Stir the tahini well before using, as it tends to separate. If the tahini is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or lemon juice.
• Arabic flatbreads — Warm the flatbreads before assembling the gyros to make them more pliable and easier to roll.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some sumac or za'atar spice blend on top of the gyros before rolling them up.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
• You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the gyros for added freshness.
• Serve the gyros with a side of pickles or olives for a traditional Middle Eastern touch.
• If you don't have access to Arabic flatbreads, you can use pita bread as a substitute.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-style gyros with a side of tahini sauce, a fresh salad, and some roasted vegetables. It pairs well with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or a tabbouleh salad.

Presentation advice

To present the gyros beautifully, place them on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra touch of freshness.