Food topic: Greek Gyros.. need help!

[johan_d]

Some Greeks inhere?

Great Greek food is Gyros, wonderfull in restaurants, but I want to make it at home. Tried several attempts but none is what it should be.

So is here someone from Greece, who knows how to make it at home, when one doesnt have that spinning grill?

Any ideas are welcome, also the killer recipe for Tzaziki.

[sonar732]

Hopefully AV might come here for a kickin' mideastern recipee...but here's something from Food Network (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_1700,00.html) on the Tzaziki.

This is from Emeril for a good Gyro (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_19507,00.html).

As you can see...I'm a food network junkie! :rock::rock::rock::up::up:

BAM!

[Nightmare]

Alton Brown had a complete episode dedicated to Gyros and Tzatziki sauce on his show "Good Eats" on the Food Network. It's a great show to watch because he goes into "the science" behind cooking.

Here (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_30420,00.html?rsrc=search) is a link to his recipe. I think to get the right texture to the meat, you'll need a rotisserie...

[johan_d]

well, actually, the last link doesnt work, and the first on isnt what I ment.
Its made on this way, but obviously doesnt go for at home cooking.
http://www.ard-sportblog.de/archives/inanici/gyros_dpa.jpg

Then, it should be looking like this on the plate

http://www.bobosgyros.com/files/Gyros_Plate.gif

[Schatten]

I love Gyros.

Now I'm hungry. :rotfl:

[geetrue]

That sure does look good johan_d ...

I love Greek food and the Greek people are super nice too.

I remember being stationed in Newport News one time back in the late 60's going through
overhaul ... They had a little pool hall/cafe owned by a Greek couple.
They even made southern food taste better than normal.

I told the owner that she had nice ear rings one time ...
Came back in a week later and she said, "Oh I have something for you"
She went and got a small box over by the cash register and gave it to me.
The silver ear rings were inside.

Seems the Greeks have a custom that if you like something they have ...
they just up and give it to you. Nice custom ...

Of course I had to tell my wife I bought them ...
She would have never believed me ... lol

[johan_d]

Great story!

but I am afraid it is disqualified..:rotfl:

[sonar732]

My favorite Gyro place was called Sub Tenders in Forest Park, IL a short drive from my college. They had awesome sub sandwiches, gyros, and finally their BG fries. BG fries were highly addictive as they were dipped in a butter/garlic mixture before fried. Mix those with the Miller Genuine Draft and it made a toxic solution.:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[bookworm_020]

How come I'm missing Athens when I look at the picture! I was there as a volunteer for the 2004 Olympics, enjoyed myself despite being stuck in a car park sunbaking for two weeks. I miss the food and the way of life.

Will be unable to go to the 2008 games, but I still have a hope for 2012 in London!:rock:

[Nightmare]

well, actually, the last link doesnt work, and the first on isnt what I ment.


Try the link I posted again, it's been fixed. His method for cooking with the rotisserie yields the best results. I haven't tried cooking it as "meatloaf" in the oven.

[U-533]

:up: Greek food YUM!:up: :up:

[d@rk51d3]

That sure does look good johan_d ...

I love Greek food and the Greek people are super nice too.

I remember being stationed in Newport News one time back in the late 60's going through
overhaul ... They had a little pool hall/cafe owned by a Greek couple.
They even made southern food taste better than normal.

I told the owner that she had nice ear rings one time ...
Came back in a week later and she said, "Oh I have something for you"
She went and got a small box over by the cash register and gave it to me.
The silver ear rings were inside.

Seems the Greeks have a custom that if you like something they have ...
they just up and give it to you. Nice custom ...

Of course I had to tell my wife I bought them ...
She would have never believed me ... lol


Whew!, its a good thing you didn't tell him that he had a nice wife......

Try explaining that one when you get home.:rotfl:

[Camaero]

That sure does look good johan_d ...

I love Greek food and the Greek people are super nice too.

I remember being stationed in Newport News one time back in the late 60's going through
overhaul ... They had a little pool hall/cafe owned by a Greek couple.
They even made southern food taste better than normal.

I told the owner that she had nice ear rings one time ...
Came back in a week later and she said, "Oh I have something for you"
She went and got a small box over by the cash register and gave it to me.
The silver ear rings were inside.

Seems the Greeks have a custom that if you like something they have ...
they just up and give it to you. Nice custom ...

Of course I had to tell my wife I bought them ...
She would have never believed me ... lol


Whew!, its a good thing you didn't tell him that he had a nice wife......

Try explaining that one when you get home.:rotfl:

:rotfl:

I want to make me some now. There is a nice little local place that sells some GREAT gyros. I like the lamb. :rock:

Perhaps I will try making them some time soon.

[Enigma]

mmmmmmm gyros.....

[SUBMAN1]

well, actually, the last link doesnt work, and the first on isnt what I ment.
Its made on this way, but obviously doesnt go for at home cooking.


Then, it should be looking like this on the plate

http://www.bobosgyros.com/files/Gyros_Plate.gif
Thanks! Now I'm hungry and its your fault!

-S

[kurtz]

Fantastic, We call them doner kebabs in england and it never crossed my mind you could make your own:D

mmm shopping followed by cooking

[johan_d]

well, if you find out how to do it at home, scream it around!

[joea]

Actually gyros is not something Greeks usually make at home, but go out to eat...well in my family we didn't have a spit like that. :D You can order it with different meat, pork instead of lamb btw.

[Sea Demon]

As you can see...I'm a food network junkie! :rock::rock::rock::up::up:

BAM!

Me too. :up: Iron Chef anyone?? And for sure the best source for interesting recipes is on their website.

[geetrue]

Well, if you ever finally figure out how to make it at home ...

Let us in on the secret ...

Looks like there would be a problem with bacteria in the market
place ... You know with that big ole hunk of meat sitting vertically
on a skewer turning around all day ...

Then the man with the knife just carves up some thin slices for you
and puts them on a plate or inserts meat into pita bread.

Sure looks like an intestinal problem to me, but don't let me spoil
your appetite ... :doh:

[U-533]

All I know is it is good!:up: :up: :up:

Bacteria and all.
:huh:

[joea]

Well, if you ever finally figure out how to make it at home ...

Let us in on the secret ...

Looks like there would be a problem with bacteria in the market
place ... You know with that big ole hunk of meat sitting vertically
on a skewer turning around all day ...

Then the man with the knife just carves up some thin slices for you
and puts them on a plate or inserts meat into pita bread.

Sure looks like an intestinal problem to me, but don't let me spoil
your appetite ... :doh:

Well it is (or should be) roasting that is heated and cooked. :hmm:

[sonar732]

As you can see...I'm a food network junkie! :rock::rock::rock::up::up:

BAM!
Me too. :up: Iron Chef anyone?? And for sure the best source for interesting recipes is on their website.

My wife and I went to a friends house for dinner. He was flipping the channels of the small tv located in their dinning room stopping at the various Nascar races...then came to Iron Chef. The wife and I were acting like Alton Brown giving a play by play. Should've seen the look on his face.:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[TteFAboB]

You can't make this at home. It will never be the same because no single person can collect as many cats. You need to find their secret global underground network or set up your own homeless cat-collecting agency. :88)

[sonar732]

You can't make this at home. It will never be the same because no single person can collect as many cats. You need to find their secret global underground network or set up your own homeless cat-collecting agency. :88)

That was just wrong.:o

[geetrue]

You can't make this at home. It will never be the same because no single person can collect as many cats. You need to find their secret global underground network or set up your own homeless cat-collecting agency. :88)


Your too funny for words .... :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[byron]

Ahh.. this is my first post here :-)

I am afraid positively you can't make it. You must go out and order it.
It is traditionally made of pork. This is called Gyros. The other one made of lamb is donner or kebab and it is not Greek. ( Though it is equally popular in Greece).
The apparatus on which the spit is fitted, is rather complex, expensive and suitable only for restaurants.

Cheers
Nick

[geetrue]

Welcome aboard byron ... where you been for a year and a half?

Personal ... lost your records, uh?

I thought the Greeks like lamb, not pork ... but then again I'm afraid
to say who hates pork (Muslims and Jews) and cause a bloody
flame war about religion ...:rotfl:

[Enigma]

Thanks to this thread, I went down to Seasons today and had a lovely Gyro. Yum!

[U-533]

Ahh.. this is my first post here :-)

I am afraid positively you can't make it. You must go out and order it.
It is traditionally made of pork. This is called Gyros. The other one made of lamb is donner or kebab and it is not Greek. ( Though it is equally popular in Greece).
The apparatus on which the spit is fitted, is rather complex, expensive and suitable only for restaurants.

Cheers
Nick

Na na na the spit aint that complex... If I can make one anyone can!

all ya need is a little know how( the big ones are to expensive so stay with the little ones)

First get ya self a 5hp Briggs & Stratton Engine
Second a 5foot piece of longin' chain... this holds the meat on the axle
Third a welding machine {id like ta point out here iff ya dont know how ta weld then nows a good time ta learn)
where was I oh yeah

Fourth the axle from any farm tractor will do

Fifth one 43inch 38 degree fan belt ... any shorter and the engine may burn up an ya dont want that now do ya

Sixth the pulleys for the fan belt... make sure the big one goes to the axle and the small one attaches to the engine

Seventh put all that stuff together and ya got a real nice rotatin' spit

You'll be the envy of the county.
And you'll be able to cook any size piece'a meat you can bring home on this bad boy. From 105 chickens simotaneeuosly to one large African Elephant

So go ahead and have fun.:up:

[byron]

Welcome aboard byron ... where you been for a year and a half?

Personal ... lost your records, uh?

I thought the Greeks like lamb, not pork ... but then again I'm afraid
to say who hates pork (Muslims and Jews) and cause a bloody
flame war about religion ...:rotfl:

Thank you Sir..:-)
I am afraid I've lost my Paybook and only recently I've found it.
Hope that I am not convicted as deserter :-)

Well, the truth is that the majority Greeks like equally pork, lamb, chicken, rabbits, fish turkeys, grouses and generally whatever looks and smell tasty to them. They do no discriminations:)

Cheers
Nick

[d@rk51d3]

You can't make this at home. It will never be the same because no single person can collect as many cats. You need to find their secret global underground network or set up your own homeless cat-collecting agency. :88)


Hey! I like cats........


........they taste like chicken.

[byron]

Na na na the spit aint that complex... If I can make one anyone can!

all ya need is a little know how( the big ones are to expensive so stay with the little ones)

First get ya self a 5hp Briggs & Stratton Engine
Second a 5foot piece of longin' chain... this holds the meat on the axle
Third a welding machine {id like ta point out here iff ya dont know how ta weld then nows a good time ta learn)
where was I oh yeah

Fourth the axle from any farm tractor will do

Fifth one 43inch 38 degree fan belt ... any shorter and the engine may burn up an ya dont want that now do ya

Sixth the pulleys for the fan belt... make sure the big one goes to the axle and the small one attaches to the engine

Seventh put all that stuff together and ya got a real nice rotatin' spit

You'll be the envy of the county.
And you'll be able to cook any size piece'a meat you can bring home on this bad boy. From 105 chickens simotaneeuosly to one large African Elephant

So go ahead and have fun.:up:

Yes of course it is as you describe it.
My only remark would be that you need also to adjust a butane gas oven horizontally, as this is the ONLY method of cooking.


Cheers
Nick

[joea]

Well not to start a flame war but...the reason pork is popular in the Balkans is because during the Ottoman Empire the Turks had a habit of taking a kind of "tax" in kind and would ride into villages and take sheep, goats as tribute. So the Orthodox Christian subjects (Greek, Serbian, Bulgarian) started raising pigs (not appreciated by the Muslim Turks) as a way to avoid this special tax. :rotfl:

[geetrue]

Here's the recipe for killer Tzatziki ... Now where did that guy go. :lol:


Tzatziki

Ingredients
1 container (16 ounces) plain lowfat yogurt
1/2 English (seedless) cucumber, not peeled, seeded and finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
Spoon yogurt into strainer lined with cheesecloth or coffee filter set over bowl; cover and refrigerate overnight.
Transfer drained yogurt to medium bowl and discard liquid.
Meanwhile, in colander set over bowl, toss chopped cucumber with 1 teaspoon salt. Let drain at least 1 hour at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours. In batches, wrap chopped cucumber in kitchen towel and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. This is imporant, so your sauce isn't too watery! Pat dry with paper towels, then add to bowl with yogurt.
With flat side of chef's knife,mince finely then mash garlic to a paste with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add garlic, chopped mint, oil, vinegar, and pepper to yogurt and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 or up to 4 hours.
Note: You cannot use jarred minced garlic, it must be fresh.

If you can find Greek yogurt, even better!

Not only that, but I found a way to pan fry a gyro's ... the Greek Orthodox church gets all the credit.
Her name is Vicky and she's single and only 39 ...
she gave me the recipe for the Tzatziki ... :p

This is the pan fry method from nashotchayil

I like to make a "version" of gyros with ground lamb. I combine the ground lamb with rosemary, garlic, finely chopped onion or spring onions, salt & pepper, oregano, onion powder, marjoram, basil, and/or anyother spices you think would be good.

After the spices and onions are mixed thoroughly into the meat, roll the mixture into a log.
Seal tightly with saran wrap and chill for about 4 hours.

In the meantime, make your cucumber sauce (Tzatziki) and set aside to chill.

When ready to serve, slice the lamb log into 1/4 inch slices and panfry like sausage.

Place in a warmed pita or flat bread, and top with cucumber sauce.

I think they are good even though they aren't "real" gyros.

Hope you enjoy them. :up:

[Gizzmoe]

If you can find Greek yogurt, even better!
Totally! Plain lowfat yogurt stinks, if you can´t find the Greek yogurt (usually about 10% fat, doesn´t need to be drained) replace some of the lowfat yogurt with sour cream.

[Gildor]

I think I will get some take-out today from Mr. Greek!

Menu: http://www.mrgreek.com/menu/index.htm

[Sailor Steve]

Hey, geetrue!

I like your sig http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/PhotoDraw61.jpg

I have that patch on a jacket, and I was there too! Would you mind if I used it in my sig too?

[geetrue]

Hey, geetrue!

I like your sig http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/PhotoDraw61.jpg

I have that patch on a jacket, and I was there too! Would you mind if I used it in my sig too?

Yes you may, I was thinking about switching to this patch anyway ...
it's in Greek and translates to:

"Don't piss me off" meaning my old boat that is ... :lol:

http://www.usssalmon.org/images/sal_patch_t.jpg

[melnibonian]

As a Greek I'm very pleased to hear that you like Greek Food. So for all the food lovers, here is a comprehensive web site (in English) with almost every greek dish. So gentlemen enjoy http://www.greekrecipe.com/

[geetrue]

That's what I was looking for melnibonian, thanks :p

I don't care what Gizz said about you ... :lol: