Vegan Greek Gyro

I have had these before, but I have just recently perfected a vegan Tzatziki sauce, which is traditionally yogurt based, to pour on this dish. Gyros (pronounced hee-rohs) are healthy, fast to make and not to expensive. They are perfect for when you want something substantial but you don’t feel like cooking. Take them on a picnic, too! What is so great about a Gyro is that it is totally customizable, so everyone can have just what they want.

Prep time: 20 Minutes
Serves: 5

You will need:

For the Gyro

• 1 Pack of Plain Pitas.
• 1 Large Cucumber, sliced thin.
• 1 Large Tomato, sliced thin.
• 1 Head Lettuce, shredded.
• 2 Cups Kalamata Olives, pitted.
• Half an Onion, sliced thin
• 4-5 Whole Pepperoncini Peppers
• 1 Tub your favorite Hummus* (I recommend plain).

For the vegan Tzatziki sauce

• 1 block of Silken Tofu, Liquefied
• 2 Tbs. Lemon Juice
• 2 Tbs. Olive Oil
• 1/2 Tsp. Minced Garlic
• 1 Leaf of Fresh Basil, ripped up into little pieces.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

*If you don’t want to use store bought, below there is a recipe for a very simple and basic homemade hummus.

Home Made Hummus:

• 1 can chick peas
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 1/2 Tbs. Tahini
• 2 Tsp. olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

This is a one step, very easy recipe. Put all the ingredients in a blender (or food processor) and blend until smooth.

Directions to make the gyro

1. We start with the Tzatziki sauce. It’s actually very easy to make, so don’t be afraid just because you can’t pronounce the name. Simply put a block of silken tofu into a large bowl and whip it until it is smooth. Add just a little water to thin it out. You can also be creative and pour a little of the kalamata olive brine to give the sauce a little more flavor… if you want to. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and basil and continue to whip until combined. A little salt and fresh cracked pepper and your done.
2. Lay a pita flat on a sheet of foil and apply, liberally, the hummus (to the pita, not the foil). You want it to cover the whole pita. Now your ready to dress it up with all the fixings.
3. When you have applied all that you want on your Gyro, spoon on the Tzatziki while the pita is still lying flat. Now the semi hard part- you want to wrap the pita without breaking it. If you simply just roll it, it might break, so you want to make it kinda cone shaped. Make the bottom smaller then the top and wrap immediately with the foil. It will hold it together so that you can chow down! Enjoy.