Latin American Style Gyros

Ingredients

In this Latin American adaptation of Gyros, we infuse the dish with Latin American flavors by incorporating ingredients such as chipotle peppers, cilantro, and lime juice. The traditional tzatziki sauce is replaced with a zesty avocado crema, adding a creamy and tangy element to the dish. The gyro meat is seasoned with Latin American spices, giving it a deliciously smoky and spicy kick. We alse have the original recipe for Gyros, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or chicken, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef or chicken, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 large tortillas or pita bread 4 large tortillas or pita bread
• 1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Avocado crema: Avocado crema:
• 1 ripe avocado 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream 1/4 cup sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): Approximately 350 kcal / 1465 KJ per serving
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, minced chipotle pepper, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced beef or chicken to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated meat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. 4.
   While the meat is resting, prepare the avocado crema. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Warm the tortillas or pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave.
6. 6.
   To assemble the gyros, spread a generous amount of avocado crema on each tortilla or pita bread. Top with the sliced meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
7. 7.
   Roll up the tortillas or fold the pita bread to enclose the filling. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Latin American Style Gyros immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Avocado — Choose a ripe avocado for the crema. It should be slightly soft when gently squeezed.
• Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
• Tortillas or pita bread — Warm them up before assembling the gyros to make them more pliable and enhance the overall taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, grill the marinated meat over charcoal.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chipotle pepper.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the assembled gyros for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier crema, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado crema.
• Serve the gyros with a side of Latin American-style rice and beans for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Latin American Style Gyros as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany it with a side of Latin American-style rice and beans, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the gyros with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a lime wedge on the side. Serve them on a platter or individual plates for an appetizing display.