Souvlakia with Tzatziki Sauce

[David]

This is for Erika. A nice Greek recipe I got from my sister ( she lived in Greece for a while ). Here in the U.S. we call it Gyros (yeeros). It's traditionally made with lamb but she says you can use any kind of meat. I like beef so that's what I used.

Ingredients: tzatziki sauce

3 cups Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
1 lemon ( just the juice )
1 clove garlic
2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced
1 teas. salt ( for cucumbers )
1 teas. fresh dill ( fine chop )
salt and pepper to taste

Method:

If you're using plain yogurt, pour it into a strainer lined with cheesecloth or two clean coffee filters, place over a bowl and let it drain for about two hours. If you're using Greek yogurt skip this step.
Add salt to the cucumbers and put into a colander over a bowl and let sit for about 1/2 hour to draw out the moisture from the cucumbers then pat dry with a paper towel.
Add cucumbers, garlic, dill, lemon juice and a little bit of cracked pepper ( a few grinds ) to a food processor and process until blended.
Mix yogurt and cucumber mixture together, taste and add salt if needed. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours ( important ) to let flavors blend.


Ingredients: Meat

2lbs. beef tri tip (you can substitute lamb, pork, boneless/skinless chicken breast etc.)
6 skewers ( soaked in water for about 20 minutes to prevent burning )
1 lemon ( juiced )
2 tbsp. olive oil
salt, pepper and paprika ( to taste )

Method: meat

Cut meat into about 3/4 to 1in. cubes and arrange on the skewers( for chicken, delete the skewers and leave whole ) and set them on a large plate or platter. Season with salt, pepper, paprika and lemon juice, drizzel with olive oil. Marinate for 1/2 hour. Grill on medium high to high heat for about 15 to 20 minutes or until done, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Note: For chicken, cut into bite size pieces after cooking.

Ingredients: Souvlakia with Tzatziki Sauce

Meat
Tzatziki Sauce
1 pack pita bread (6)
1/2 red onion sliced very thin
2 medium size tomatoes, diced

Note: Pita Bread
Wrap pita bread in foil and place in a 300 degree oven to warm through (about 10 minutes)
Or place them on a flat griddle flipping a few times until warm ( like a tortilla )

Assembly: Souvlakia with Tzatziki Sauce

Place pita bread in one hand and a skewer in the other. Put skewer in the middle of the pita bread. Fold the pita bread like a taco and gently pull the skewer out leaving the meat inside. For chicken, place the pieces in a line down the middle of the pita bread.
Add your onions and tomatoes and spoon the Tzatziki over the top.

Makes 6 sandwiches

I really like the sauce so I spoon it over the meat, add my veggies and then more sauce.

Tip:

This sauce is great as a salad dressing or dip as well. Happy Cooking :-)

[Erika]

That kicks ass, David! Thanks so much - I'm nearly drowning in my own drool looking at that picture. :)