Traditional Greek Gyros

This recipe for traditional Greek Gyros is absolutely worth the time and effort involved, although the perfectly-blended Gyros Seasoning Mix takes out a lot of the effort. There is nothing better than enjoying a tasty Gyros after a long hard day sunbathing on a beautiful Greek beach and this recipe will allow you to recreate that satisfying dish at home – complete with succulent pork, freshly-made tzatziki and chips.

Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For the Pork:
• 1.8-2kg boneless rolled pork shoulder joint with rind
• 4 cloves garlic peeled and minced
• 3 cups hot chicken/pork/vegetable stock 

For the Tzatziki:
• 350gr Greek yogurt (or plain full-fat yogurt)
• 2 large cucumbers
• 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
• Handful of fresh mint leaves (optional)

To serve:
• 6 Warm Greek pita breads 
• 1 shredded lettuce 
• 10 cherry tomatoes quartered
• 1 small red onion peeled and thinly sliced
• Cooked French fries

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C.
2. Sprinkle the Seasoning Mix for Gyros on a chopping board. Roll the pork in the Seasoning Mix for Gyros so that it is well covered (no need to cover the rind as that will be removed later).
3. Add 2 tbsp of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil to a large oven-proof pan or roasting dish and heat over a medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear the meat on all sides, except for the rind.
4. Add the garlic and stock to the pan. Bring it to the boil, then cover it and pop it in the oven to cook for 2½ - 3 hours – until the meat is tender.
5. While it is cooking, make the tzatziki. For a creamy Tzatziki with the perfect consistency we need to avoid any excess water. The best result is achieved by peeling and de-seeding the cucumber before grating or finely slicing it. Then hang the cucumber in a cloth or a tea towel to squeeze out all excess liquid. 
6. Combine this cucumber with the yogurt, lemon juice and Seasoning Mix for Tzatziki. Add a dash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and some freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and carefully place it on a chopping board. Remove and discard the rind and then shred the meat so that it is in bite-sized chunks.
8. Heat the remaining Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large frying pan and add the shredded pork along with some salt and pepper. Fry on a high heat, turning a few times during cooking, until golden brown (approximately 7 minutes). You may need to do this in a couple of batches, depending on how big your pan is.
9. Place the warmed pita breads on plates or parchment (if wrapping up in the traditional style). Top with lettuce and tomatoes and arrange the pork on top. Sprinkle on a few slices of the red onion slices and then top with a few French fries.
10. Spoon over a tablespoon or two of tzatziki, then roll up the gyros. 
11. Sit back and pretend you’re at a street-side café on your favourite Greek island!

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