Lamb and Turkey Gyro Recipe with Yogurt Cucumber Sauce

After years of considering it—we finally decided that it was time to make Gyros at home for the first time.  As a family, we love Greek flavors and seasonings, but lamb has never been one of our favorite meats.  We decided to give lamb one more try in Gyro form—and we opted to use this dish as our G entry in the Bloggingfrom A to Z Challenge.  G is for Gyros and here is our latest Lamb and Turkey Gyro recipe with a Yogurt Cucumber Sauce recipe as well. 

Ingredients for a Lamb and Turkey Gyro with Yogurt Cucumber Sauce

Gyro Meat

1 Pound ground lamb

1 Pound ground turkey

1 Medium yellow onion, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried mint

1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/8 tsp. sea salt

1/4 teaspoon dried garlic

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice

Pita Bread

Instructions for Preparing the meat in a Lamb and Turkey Gyro

Mix ingredients.  In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients.  If you are not able to mix the ingredients extremely well by hand--add the ingredients to a large food processor and pulse until combined.

Allow flavors to blend.  Cover meat mixture and set aside in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the flavors to blend.

Preheat oven or grill.  You may choose to form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and bake like a meat loaf in a non-stick loaf pan at 350 F for 50-60 minutes--or, as I did, form into thin patties and grill until desired doneness.  If preparing in a loaf pan, allow the meat loaf to rest for 10-15 minutes, then slice.

Prepare the Yogurt Cucumber Sauce while the meat is resting.

Yogurt Cucumber Sauce Recipe

2 c. plain yogurt (Greek style or regular—drained)

1 large cucumber (seeded and drained), finely diced

4 cloves minced garlic

1 tbsp. diced onion

¼ tsp. dried dill

1 tsp. red wine vinegar

¼ tsp. sea salt

¼ tsp. dried mint leaves

Combine ingredients in food processor and process until texture is smooth.

Building the Gyro

Warm a pita slightly if desired.

Top with slices of the prepared meat.

Spoon yogurt cucumber sauce over the meat.

Top wth desired toppings--we used sliced tomatoes and red onion--and serve