I got a bunch of new little cookbooks recently and have been trying out several of the recipes. I don’t really love to cook and so when I can find an easy recipe that mimics a more difficult one…I’m on board. This was one of those recipes.
Every time we go to a fair or festival my Better Half is eager to get a gyro…holy cow, they’re like $7 for one!! Anyway, here’s a yummy recipe that mimics that $7 gyro.
Beefy Greek Pita Folds (Pillsbury Cooking with Ground Beef – April 2000)
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 small onion, cut in half lengthwise, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives ( I will omit these next time…my kids picked them all out anyway!)
1/2 cup finely chopped peeled cucumber (I used a burpless one and just left the peel on)
1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato
1 (8 oz) container low-fat plain yogurt (1 cup)
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
4 (6 of 7 inch) soft Greek-style pita breads, warmed ( I used the pockets cut in half)
1. In medium skillet, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt; cook over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Stir in olives.
2. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, yogurt, dill and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix well.
3. Spoon 1/4 of beef mixture on half of each pita. Top each with yogurt mixture; fold other half of pita over filling. Serve with remaining yogurt mixture.
Makes 4 sandwiches
To save a few minutes at meal time, I fry my meat (I use turkey instead of beef), as soon as I get home from the grocery.
I drain it, then rinse it to get off all the excess fat and then place it in 1 pound bags.
I store it in the freezer for later use.
Carrie, What a great recipe you found! I’m going to try it. Since I’ve moved down South there are no places that serve them and I’ve never made them but you reminded me of how much I liked them!
You might also like http://www.allrecipes.com I use it all the time because I don’t like wasting my time, money and effort in recipes that are “flops” and I’ve done that plenty of times. The website has user reviews, pictures, you can have your own recipe box and you can rescale larger or smaller amounts. You can also print off in several sizes in addition to the recipe card size. I love it and have stopped buying cookbooks.
I love your idea about frying all the meat up when you get it and then freezing it! That’s a real time-saver and I will be doing that from now on. Thank you and I love your blog!
I have used allrecipes.com and love the convenience of just typing in an idea and the recipe popping up!
Thanks for the suggestion!
It looks scrumptious!
yum..I just had a gyro last Friday and told my husband I would like to make it! now I can..thanks..i love your stromboli recipe..the steps are easy and clear. I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
WOW – This looks so good! Pinning it! Saw your recipe at The Frugal Girls Chic & Crafty Thursdays Link party…so glad you shared! I’m your newest follower!
Cheers ~ Mary (SweetLittleBluebird.com)
I am pinning this recipe. My greek husband loves his gyro, so I will have to give yours a try.
This looks wonderful! Can’t wait to try it with ground turkey.
Looks so good! We love gyros! The only thing I would add is feta cheese!
Blessings,
Linda
http://www.creativecommotion.blogspot.com
YUM! Feta Cheese!! I've never had one with Feta before but anything is better with cheese!!
Thanks for the idea!
Those look great! I love gyros having spent the better part of a year in the Hudson Valley amongst the Greek community! I also love suvloki and recently found a Greek restaurant here that also has cold pressed olive oil and feta cheese to purchase for a decent price! Great!