Authentic Homemade Greek Gyro's ♥

Here is a great homemade recipe for authentic greek gyro's, my mother used to make this for my step dad who was greek, these are so yummy, here was her authentic recipe enjoy! ♥

COOK TIME: 8 HOURS

TOTAL TIME: 8 HOURS, 15 MINUTES

serves 4-6

Ingredients ♥

Gyros

4 cloves garlic, minced or grated

1 onion, thinly sliced

1 - (2-3) pound boneless pork shoulder roast (or butt)

2 tablespoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons dried dill

2 teaspoons paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

2 lemons, juiced

1/3 cup olive oil

3 teaspoons red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons greek yogurt

4-8 homemade or store bought pitas

1/2 cup fresh cherry tomatoes, halved, for serving

1 red onion, thinly sliced, for serving

4 ounces crumbled feta cheese, for serving

Tzatziki

1 cup plain greek yogurt (I used full fat)

1/4 hothouse cucumber, peeled and seeded and diced small

1 large clove garlic, grated (or finely minced)

1/2 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon, dried dill

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon fresh lemon, juiced

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Spray a crockpot with cooking spray. Add the onions and garlic.

In a small bowl combine the oregano, dill, paprika, cayenne, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper. Sprinkle the pork with half of the spice mixture.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the pork and sear on all sides until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side). Try and get a really good caramelization on the meat.

Add pork to the prepared crockpot and sprinkle with the remaining seasonings and any drippings from the pan. To the crockpot add the 1/3 cup olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, greek yogurt and 3/4 cup of water. Cover and cook on low, 8 hours. or high for 4-6 hours. If possible check the pork a few times during cooking. If needed add some water to keep the meat moist.

To prepare the tzatziki pour any liquid off the surface of the greek yogurt. (I find it is best to use full fat greek yogurt for this, but 2% works ok as well. You want the yogurt to be thick, so if your greek yogurt seems thin strain it through a fine mesh strainer). Mix together the greek yogurt, diced cucumber, garlic, white wine vinegar, dill, oregano, salt and pepper to taste, and lemon juice. Drizzle with olive oil. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

After 8 hours (or 4-6 on high) remove the pork and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to touch shred the pork with two forks, it should fall apart easily. Return the pork to the crockpot and toss with the onions. Crank the heat to high. Allow the pork to get warm for five minutes.

Heat pitas (I just popped them in the microwave for a few seconds). Top with tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese. Serve immediately.♥