Homemade Greek Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce (Kebabs*)

Step 1

Run the onion in a food processor for about 15 seconds. Place the onion in the center of a kitchen towel and squeeze out the juice and return to the food processor.

Step 2

Add the meat, garlic, spices, salt and pepper to the onion, and process. Do so until it looks like a fine paste, about a minute. Place the mixture in a loaf pan and press evenly.

Step 3

Bake in a water bath (place loaf pan inside another pan filled with water) at 325°F (165°C) for about an hour or more until temperature reaches 165-170°F (75°C.)

Step 4

Remove from the oven, drain fat, and place on a cooling rack.

Step 5

Cover meat with aluminum foil and a heavy weight (Alton suggests a brick) for about 15 minutes until internal temperature is 175°F (79°C) (I found the times are not quite accurate, and I didn't know if the brick actually had an effect, but I think the important part is getting the meat to the correct temperature.)

Step 6

Place meat on a cutting board and slice as thinly as possible with an electric knife (using anything else would be much more difficult.)

Step 7

I added the following step myself as I think it mimics the rotisserie a bit more. Add a few slices to a nonstick frying pan (very little or no oil) and heat gently until the meat browns a little.

Step 8

In another pan, heat the pita bread.

Step 9

Finally, place the meat on one half of the pita, topped with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. You could also put a little Greek dressing on the tomatoes too (extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt, oregano.)

Step 10

Serve Homemade Greek Gyros with rice pilaf or a Greek salad, and enjoy!