Lamb Gyros & All the Fixins' - Au Naturale!

​Do you love Greek food?  The most commonly known Greek food in the United States is probably the gyro.  It a spicy delight!  Gyros are traditionally made from shaved slices of meat that are roasted on a vertical spit.  The meat can be spiced pork, lamb, beef, chicken, or a combination, depending on the region and preference.  It's typically served on a pita with various sauces and toppings.  

My recipe below uses ground, grass-fed lamb.  Lamb has a distinctive, wonderful flavor that is loved worldwide.   (You'll never say it tastes like chicken; it's much better.) I think these gyros are as delicious as you can find at any restaurant.  Opa!  (That's "cheers" in Greek.)

My daughter, Kayla, at the Greek Festival in Nashville TN. Enjoying a gyro!

Do you know how to pronounce "Gyro"? 

Maslina (Olive) Grancharova

I don't speak Greek myself, but it is a big part my family heritage.  In fact, my great-great aunt, Maslina (Olive) Grancharova, was a famous guerrilla fighter in the 1903 Ilinden Uprising in the (former) Macedonian part of Greece & Bulgaria. Here's her photo. She was one warrior, bad-ass woman, and I like to think I have a little of her in myself!  ;-)  

I love to learn  about my heritage and about Greek cooking, especially since the Mediterranean diet principles are very healthy.  I also love that non-Greeks love to enjoy the wonderful cuisine from Greece.  Gyros are a great introduction to the wonderful flavors.
​
Gyro pronounced "yer-oh".  (And you roll the R a little.) There, now ya know!  ;-)

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​Lamb Gyros - Opa!

​Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground, grass-fed lamb (I get mine by mail-order from Grassfed Traditions farm in Wisconsin)
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 5 oz chopped spinach
• 1 Tbsp butter or ghee
• 1 Tbsp Greek Seasoning (see below)
• 1/2 tsp Real sea salt

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 Tbsp tapioca flour

• Homemade, 2-ingredient, dairy-free Tzatziki sauce (see below)

• Gluten-free tortillas ​(use my super easy recipe!)

​Need some Greek seasoning?

See my recipe to make it yourself!
OR, here's  a good brand without MSG.

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​Directions:

1. In a large frying pan on medium heat, saute the butter/ghee, onion, and spinach until soft.
2. Add in the ground lamb, Greek spice, and sea salt.  Mix well.
3. Cook until crumbly and no longer pink.
4. Drain excess fat.
5. Mix the water with tapioca flour.  Add to the meat mixture and stir.  It will thicken it up a little and prevent the crumbles from falling out of your tortilla.
6. Serve with tortillas and homemade, 3-ingredient tzatziki sauce.  
7. Other toppings could include: lettuce, raw onions, Greek olives, and tomatoes.

​Homemade, 3-Ingredient Tzatziki Sauce

​Tzatziki sauce is typically made with either yogurt or sour cream.  Here's a great dairy-free version that also pairs perfectly with Greek flavors.  I call it Guac-ziki!  

Stir together equal parts of:

• guacamole (mild or spicy) - with few or no preservatives (Or, simply mash an avocado.)
• finely chopped cucumber (organic, with skin, seeds removed)
• Squeeze in a little lemon juice.

That's it!  Dairy-free & delicious!!!!

Need a really good Chopper? 

Buy on Amazon

I have owned the same Pampered Chef Food Chopper  since 2001 and it's still as sharp as ever and like new.  I use it constantly and love it!  

It made the job of chopping up the cucumber, spinach, and onion for the gyros a piece of cake!

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