Gyros w/ Mom's Tzatziki Sauce

My mom made Gyros frequently when I was growing up. I remember how awesome the sauce was she put on them, and I have tried so many tzatziki sauce recipes, but I could not replicate the flavor of my mom's. Then, I came across her recipe and figured out how she made it SO delicious. She used mayonnaise instead of yogurt! So, I had to try it again, and it was just as awesomely delicious as I remembered! I think I will be making these more and more frequently now! The marinade for the lamb I adapted from a kabob recipe from Faye Levy's feast from the Mideast. This makes enough for about 2 people. Now, on to the recipe!

For Lamb:

  • about 1 lb lamb, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • drizzle of Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1 small onion, grated
Combine all ingredients and marinate lamb overnight. When ready to use, fry in a little bit of oil until cooked and tender. Remove and reserve for sandwich.

For Tzatziki sauce:
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped small
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried mint leaves (my mom actually used chives, which are amazing, too!)
Blend everything well, and chill at least one hour.

For Sandwich:
  • whole wheat pita breads, warmed and sliced
  • 1 sliced tomato
  • dill pickles, chopped
  • reserved lamb
  • tzatziki sauce
Fill pita bread about 1/3 full with lamb. Add some tomato, pickle and tzatziki sauce. Enjoy with some fries, or whatever sounds good to you :) Enjoy!


~ I don't have to agree with you to like and respect you - Anthony Bourdain ~

19 comments:

chakhlere said...

what a amazing click. Just mouthwatering!!!

Can I use chicken here in stead of lamb?

Soma said...

love your tzatziki sauce. we love middle eastern food!

Priya Suresh said...

Delectable tzatziki sauce...mouthwatering dish!

Dori said...

~ Thanks, ladies :) And of course, try with chicken!!!

Arabic Bites said...

Wow meeso, that looks so YUM.
I love the use of mayonnaise in tzatziki sauce( I bet it make the sauce very rich & delicious)
:D

Nammi said...

didnt realise you are a anthony bourdain fan :)

Sushma Mallya said...

will surely try this with chicken,nice recipe meeso...

Cham said...

Mom always rocks! The mayo twist sounds very delicious! Delicious recipe!

Malar Gandhi said...

Wow, gyros look yumm:)

French Cooking for Dummies said...

wow mayonnaise instead of yogurt in Tzatziki sauce... I HAVE to try that! Thanks for the tip ;-)

Dori said...

~ Thanks, everyone :) I know the mayo makes it less healthy, but lordy does it taste awesome :D

Cynthia said...

Hmmmmm lamb and tzatziki - pure love.

Sunitha said...

I love gyros and thank you so very much for sharing this recipe. Its good good good to know an authentic one finally.

Swapna said...

that's a nice recipe...will definitely try this with chicken :)...thank you Messo for visiting my blog and leaving a comment :)

Valarmathi Sanjeev said...

yummy recipe, looks delicious.

Sum Raj said...

woo this is awesome..

Anonymous said...

hello am a first timer here.blog hopped from somewhere.hoping to be a regular here.

Yasmeen said...

Gyros with tzatziki is an awesome combo :D

Prasukitchen.blogspot.com said...

nice click and great presentation