Gyro Bowls

If you’re a fan of bold, Mediterranean flavors, crafting a Gyro Bowl at home is a culinary journey worth taking. This recipe combines the savory goodness of meatballs with the freshness of cucumber and tomato salad, tangy tzatziki, and zesty lemon rice. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering, these Gyro Bowls promise a delightful mix of textures and tastes that are sure to impress. Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to your table.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground lamb (preferred), beef, or pork
• ¼ cup minced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup finely crumbled feta cheese
• 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Tzatziki:

• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Half of one European cucumber, peeled, grated, and drained
• 1 cup plain yogurt, drained
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Lemon Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cucumber & Tomato Salad:

• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup cucumber, diced and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt

Recommended Garnishes:

• Hummus, olive oil, crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, chopped dill, chopped parsley, sumac, pitas

Directions

For the Meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix gently with your hands until well combined.
3. Form into 14-20 meatballs using a scoop or your hands, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-14 minutes until browned and cooked through.

For the Tzatziki:

1. Mash the minced garlic with salt using a fork to create a paste.
2. Combine the garlic paste, drained cucumber, yogurt, mint, dill, black pepper, and olive oil in a medium bowl. Mix well and adjust salt as needed.

For the Lemon Rice:

1. Mix cooked rice with lemon juice and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

For the Cucumber & Tomato Salad:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, and salt. Adjust seasoning as needed.

To Assemble the Bowls:

1. Divide the lemon rice among bowls. Top each with meatballs, a dollop of tzatziki, and a helping of cucumber & tomato salad.
2. Add any desired garnishes to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 bowls
• Calories: Approximately 615 kcal per bowl

Conclusion

These Gyro Bowls offer a perfect blend of meaty, creamy, and crunchy elements, making them a balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or seeking a special dish for guests, this recipe is versatile and sure to delight. Enjoy the process of creating these flavorful bowls, and savor each bite of this delicious Mediterranean feast!