Tempeh Gyros with Tzatziki
This is a fun twist on a Greek classic. Gyros made with tempeh are a great vegetarian or vegan alternative to traditional lamb gyros.
I served these gyros in Whole Wheat pita pockets. However, if you are gluten intolerant (Sorry to you Greek folks out there; I know this may be a bit sacrilegious…), try wrapping these guys up with corn or brown rice tortillas. Along with the tempeh, I served grilled veggies, Tzatziki, lettuce, tomato and cucumber on the side so that everyone could stuff their pita as they wished.
It ended up being a fantastic, light and easy dinner that makes a great meal for introductory non-meat eaters. It proves that meals without meat can still be super flavorful and satisfying.
TEMPEH GYROS WITH VEGAN TZATZIKI
serves four
adapted from a recipe on RecipeZaar
For the Tempeh:
4 oz. Tempeh, sliced into 1/4 inch strips
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, minced
4 Tbs. olive oil, plus a little extra for cooking
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. lemon juice or rice vinegar
For the Tzatziki:
1/2 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 Tbs. garlic powder
1 Tbs. fresh dill, minced
1 1/2 cups plain soy yogurt
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt, or more to taste
freshly ground white pepper, to taste
Accompaniments:
Pita Pocket bread
Leaf Lettuce
Sliced Tomatoes
Sliced Cucumbers
Grilled Veggies
1. For the Tempeh: In a large zipper lock bag, combine all of the ingredients. Zip up the bag, shake it around and place it in the fridge. Let the tempeh marinate at least a few hours or overnight.
2. For the Tzatziki: Throw everything in a blender and blend until it is smooth. Transfer the tzatziki to a small bowl and cover it with plastic. Place the sauce in the fridge and allow the flavors to meld for a few hours.
3. To prepare the meal: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Saute the tempeh strips in 2-3 Tbs. of olive oil for about 3 minutes on either side until they are a nice golden brown. While the tempeh is cooking, wrap the pitas in foil and place them in the oven to warm.
4. To assemble: Place a few tempeh strips inside the pita. Serve tzatziki, grilled veggies, tomato, lettuce, and cucumber on the side and allow your guests to build their own gyro.
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