Soul Food Gyros

Ingredients

While the original Greek gyros typically feature lamb or beef, this soul food version embraces the Southern tradition of using seasoned and slow-cooked pulled pork as the star ingredient. The spices and seasonings are also adjusted to incorporate the warm and comforting flavors commonly found in soul food cuisine. Additionally, the traditional pita bread is replaced with fluffy cornbread, adding a unique twist to this soulful adaptation. We alse have the original recipe for Gyros, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) pulled pork 2 pounds (900g) pulled pork
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (15g) paprika 1 tablespoon (15g) paprika
• 1 tablespoon (15g) garlic powder 1 tablespoon (15g) garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon (15g) onion powder 1 tablespoon (15g) onion powder
• 1 tablespoon (15g) brown sugar 1 tablespoon (15g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon (5g) cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) ground nutmeg
• 4-6 pieces of cornbread 4-6 pieces of cornbread
• 1 cup (235ml) coleslaw 1 cup (235ml) coleslaw
• 1/2 cup (120ml) barbecue sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup (60g) diced tomatoes 1/4 cup (60g) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (60g) diced red onions 1/4 cup (60g) diced red onions
• 1/4 cup (60g) chopped pickles 1/4 cup (60g) chopped pickles

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 12g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to create a spice rub.
3. 3.
   Rub the spice mixture all over the pulled pork, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pulled pork and cook until browned and crispy on the edges, about 5 minutes per side.
5. 5.
   Transfer the pork to a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
6. 6.
   Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Shred the pork using two forks.
7. 7.
   To assemble the gyros, place a piece of cornbread on a plate. Top it with a generous amount of pulled pork, coleslaw, barbecue sauce, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, and chopped pickles.
8. 8.
   Fold the cornbread over the filling, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
9. 9.
   Serve the soul food gyros warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pulled pork — Slow-cook the pork until it is tender and easily shredded for the best texture and flavor.
• Cornbread — Use homemade or store-bought cornbread, ensuring it is fluffy and slightly sweet to complement the savory pulled pork.
• Coleslaw — Opt for a creamy coleslaw with a tangy dressing to balance the richness of the pork.
• Barbecue sauce — Choose a smoky and slightly sweet barbecue sauce to enhance the flavors of the pulled pork.
• Pickles — Use dill pickles for a tangy and crunchy element that adds a delightful contrast to the gyros.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the pulled pork before cooking.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice rub.
• Customize your gyros by adding your favorite toppings such as sliced jalapeños or avocado.
• Serve the gyros with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete soul food experience.
• Leftover pulled pork can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or salads for delicious meal options.

Serving advice

Serve the Soul Food Gyros warm, allowing the flavors to meld together. Accompany them with a side of sweet potato fries and a refreshing glass of iced tea for a true soul food feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the gyros on a platter, showcasing the vibrant colors of the coleslaw, diced tomatoes, red onions, and pickles. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an added touch of freshness.