Celebrating my favorite Mediterranean flavors with my curious twist. I have always enjoyed the fresh, crisp flavors of mediterranean cuisine, my all time favorite dish is a gyro pita. Trader Joes has the sliced gyro meat in the freezer section but I did not want to have to depend on having it in our freezer when I am craving my favorite flavors. Out of that craving the gyro meatball was created and has become a family favorite.
INGREDIENTS
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1/4 cup diced sweet onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup Panko crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles
1 teaspoon fresh chopped oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Pitas
Cucumber
Cherry tomatoes
Tzatziki Sauce:
1 and 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup diced cucumber, seeded and peeled
1 large garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Olive oil
DIRECTIONS
- Add all the ingredients to a large mixing bow. With your hands, combine to fully incorporate, be careful not to overmix.
- Form mixture in to 1” meatballs, place prepared balls on to parchment line cookie sheet.
- In a large non stick skillet, heat some olive oil and heat to medium heat. Add meatballs to the skillet, making sure not to crowd.
- Cook meatballs for 10 to 15 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. Once they have browned on both sides, partially cover and allow to finish cooking.
- Remove from skillet and place on platter.
- For the Tzatziki sauce mix all the ingredients in to a bowl until combined. Season with Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Swirl olive oil on top of sauce prior to serving.
- Add meatballs to sliced pita pocket, garnish with sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes and Tzatziki sauce. Enjoy.
Save room for dessert, my Peach Crostata and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Serve the crostata warm or at room temperature, you can’t go wrong either way.