As the sun bathes everything in a warm glow, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a summer gyro to satisfy your cravings. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for a mouthwatering Venison Gyro that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner. Not only does this dish capture the essence of summer, but it’s also a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in just an hour. I love incorporating fresh, locally sourced produce into my gyros, elevating the flavors and supporting my community in the process.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground venison
- ½ cup feta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
Tzatziki:
- ½ cup English cucumber, small dice
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh mint
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Other:
- Pita Bread
- Hummus
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Red Onions, sliced
- Cucumber, sliced
- Butter lettuce
Serving Size: 4 servings
Time to Make: 1 hour
Special Equipment: None required
Also Works With: Any Ground Meat
Opening Remarks: Gyros hold a special place in my heart, especially during the summer. Quick to make and versatile, this Venison Gyro recipe brings together the richness of ground venison with the freshness of locally sourced veggies. Consider adding pickled onions and spicy peppers for an extra kick, or experiment with different sauces like baba ghanoush or hot sauce to suit your taste buds. Let’s dive into the flavors of summer with this delectable recipe!
How to Make Venison Gyro:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, combine ground venison, feta cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well.
- Shape and Bake: Form the meat mixture into balls, approximately 2 tablespoons each. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees.
- Create Tzatziki: While the venison is baking, prepare the refreshing tzatziki by combining cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh mint, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill the tzatziki in the fridge until ready to use.
- Assemble the Gyro: Warm up the pita bread in the oven. Once warm, slice it in half and begin assembling your gyro. Start with a generous spread of hummus, followed by the baked venison balls, and top it off with sliced tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, and butter lettuce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Venison Gyro immediately, savoring the combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this gyro is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
As you take that first delicious bite, revel in the satisfaction of creating a gyro that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of summer. Feel free to customize the toppings and make this recipe your own – the possibilities are as endless as the warm summer days!
