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k_tsoukalas

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Sometimes I can't find all the ingredients that I need, such as the pita bread that is used, or the traditional meat. Any advice on ways I can get it to taste good when I can't find all the right ingredients?
 
The best way to experience a gyro is by dinning in or at at your favorite local Greek restaurant.

But if trying to make a gyro at home, my thought is as long you have authentic Greek pita bread that is heated (on a grill) and tzatziki with properly seasoned Greek style meat or chicken this should do the trick! :)

traditional-gyro-e1568063974781-720x960.jpeg
 
The seasoning for gyro should be readily available in any super market, the trick is to have the butcher slice the meat for you super thin before you broil it. Also, if you don't have access to traditional pita bread, you could use syrian pita as a substitute. It doesn't taste the same but there are souvlaki/gyro shops in Greece that use this alternative pita.
 
Thanks guys! Do you know if I can make a seasoning blend myself at home?
 
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I know it can vary by region but my go to Gyro and Souvlaki seasoning is: Kosher salt, black pepper, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Cumin & paprika. Be generous with the spices!!!
 
The best way to experience a gyro is by dinning in or at at your favorite local Greek restaurant.

But if trying to make a gyro at home, my thought is as long you have authentic Greek pita bread that is heated (on a grill) and tzatziki with properly seasoned Greek style meat or chicken this should do the trick! :)

View attachment 60
I agree, especially if you want to get a classic pork gyro. Chicken souvlaki is a bit easier to make at home, but the consistency of actual gyro is super hard to replicate.
 

What is your favorite Greek potato dish?

Potatoes show up in so many Greek meals, and I think they are often at their best when they soak up plenty of olive oil, lemon, herbs, and cooking juices.

Greek lemon potatoes are probably the first thing that comes to mind for me. I love when they are roasted until they are soft inside, a little crisp around the edges, and full of lemon and oregano. Potatoes cooked alongside chicken or lamb are also hard to beat because they absorb so much flavor from the pan.

I also enjoy simple boiled potatoes dressed with olive oil, lemon, parsley, and salt, especially with fish or grilled meat.

What Greek potato dish do you make most often? Do you prefer lemon potatoes, potatoes roasted with meat, fried potatoes, or something else? And is there a particular seasoning or family method that makes your version especially good?

Do you make Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?

What herbs do you use when making Greek stuffed zucchini?

I've been thinking about making Greek stuffed zucchini (kolokithakia gemista), and I'm curious about which herbs everyone uses in the filling. I've seen quite a few variations, and it seems like the combination of herbs can really influence the overall flavor of the dish.

Some recipes use plenty of fresh dill and parsley, while others include mint or even a little oregano. I've also noticed that some people add green onions for extra flavor. I'm wondering whether certain herbs are considered more traditional, especially when making stuffed zucchini with rice and ground meat.

Do you use a combination of herbs, or do you prefer to keep the seasoning fairly simple? Does your family have a particular recipe that has been passed down through generations?

I'm especially interested in how the herbs complement the avgolemono sauce. What combination do you think gives Greek stuffed zucchini the best flavor?

Do you make your pastitsio with a thick or thin layer of krema?

I've always preferred my pastitsio with a nice, thick layer of béchamel on top. To me, that's one of the best parts of the dish! I love when the krema is rich, creamy, and thick enough to hold its shape when you cut into the pastitsio.

The problem is that I've been having trouble getting my krema just right. Sometimes it comes out too thin, and other times the texture isn't quite as smooth as I'd like. I've tried adjusting the amount of flour and milk, but I still haven't found the perfect balance.

I'm curious how everyone else makes theirs. Do you prefer a thick layer of béchamel or just enough to cover the pasta? Does your family add eggs or cheese to the mixture?

I'd especially love to hear any tips for making a thick, smooth krema that sets beautifully when baked!

How Much Garlic in a Batch of Tzatziki?

How much garlic do you usually put in a batch of tzatziki? I think I may be using a little too much. I usually make mine with about 2 cups of Greek yogurt and 4 cloves of garlic, along with cucumber, olive oil, and the other usual ingredients.

It tastes great when I first make it, but we usually take about three days to finish the batch. By the second or third day, the garlic flavor and smell become really strong. Some people in my household love that and don’t mind it at all, but others think it becomes a bit overpowering. I’m starting to agree that four cloves might be too much, especially since the garlic seems to get stronger as it sits.

What do you all do? How many cloves would you use for about 2 cups of Greek yogurt?
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