Gyro

Ingredients

• 500g ground lamb
• 250g ground beef (80/20)
• 1 small onion, grated and squeezed dry
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat, strained)
• 1/2 English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (for tzatziki)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• 4-6 pita breads
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Shredded lettuce
• French fries (optional, for stuffing into the wrap)

Before you cook

• Grate the onion, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• Combine the ground lamb, ground beef, squeezed onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
• Knead the meat mixture by hand for 2-3 minutes until it becomes sticky and paste-like.
• Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
• Grate the cucumber, wrap it in a towel, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• Stir together the strained yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, dill, and vinegar for the tzatziki, season with salt, and refrigerate until serving.
• Preheat the oven to 165°C (325°F).

Steps

1. Press the chilled meat mixture firmly into a standard loaf pan, packing it tightly to remove air pockets.
2. Set the loaf pan inside a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the loaf pan.
3. Bake for 60-75 minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 71°C (160°F).
4. Remove the loaf pan from the water bath and carefully pour off any excess fat.
5. Cover the loaf with foil, weigh it down with a second loaf pan or heavy cans, and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
6. Turn the loaf out onto a cutting board and slice it as thin as possible with a sharp or serrated knife.
7. Preheat the broiler and spread the sliced meat in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.
8. Broil the slices for 3-4 minutes, until the edges turn crisp and lightly charred.
9. Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or in the oven for about 30 seconds per side.
10. Spread a spoonful of tzatziki down the center of each warmed pita.
11. Pile the crisped meat onto the pita, followed by tomato, red onion, lettuce, and fries if using.
12. Fold the pita around the filling and wrap the bottom half in foil or parchment to hold it together.
13. Serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side.