What is the spice in GYROS that give it that flavor?

Question

It's also found in some italian meatballs. i can't figure it out but LOVE the flavor!

Answer 1

Alton Brown's recipe

Gyro Meat with Tzatziki Sauce

1 medium onion, finely chopped or shredded
2 pounds ground lamb
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried marjoram
1 tablespoon dried ground rosemary
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Tzatziki Sauce, recipe follows

Process the onion in a food processor for 10 to 15 seconds and turn out into the center of a tea towel. Gather up the ends of the towel and squeeze until almost all of the juice is removed. Discard juice.

Return the onion to the food processor and add the lamb, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and pepper and process until it is a fine paste, approximately 1 minute. Stop the processor as needed to scrape down sides of bowl.

To cook in the oven as a meatloaf, proceed as follows:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Place the mixture into a loaf pan, making sure to press into the sides of the pan. Place the loaf pan into a water bath and bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until the mixture reaches 165 to 170 degrees F. Remove from the oven and drain off any fat.

Place the loaf pan on a cooling rack and place a brick wrapped in aluminum foil directly on the surface of the meat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F. Slice and serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, chopped onion, tomatoes and feta cheese.

To cook on a rotisserie, proceed as follows:

Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place on top of 2 overlapping pieces of plastic wrap that are at least 18 inches long. Roll the mixture in the plastic wrap tightly, making sure to remove any air pockets. Once the meat is completely rolled in the wrap, twist the ends of the plastic wrap until the surface of the wrap is tight. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, to allow the mixture to firm up.

Preheat the grill to high.

Place the meat onto the rotisserie skewer. Place a double-thick piece of aluminum foil folded into a tray directly under the meat to catch any drippings. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Decrease the heat to medium and continue to cook for another 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees F. Turn off the heat and allow to continue to spin for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees. Slice and serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, chopped onion, tomatoes, and feta cheese

Tzatziki Sauce:

16 ounces plain yogurt
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
Pinch kosher salt
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
5 to 6 mint leaves, finely minced

Place the yogurt in a tea towel, gather up the edges, suspend over a bowl, and drain for 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Place the chopped cucumber in a tea towel and squeeze to remove the liquid; discard liquid. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained yogurt, cucumber, salt, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and mint. Serve as a sauce for gyros. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Answer 2

Whatever spice it is, it's definitely NOT majoram or rosemary! That's just disgusting, if you think you're getting a real gyro. I don't buy this "make your own seasoning" crap. You can go anyplace and get a gyro and it tastes just the same as anyplace else. That's the spice we all want to know.

Answer 3

I love gyro meat! When I eat it, the flavors taste complex and are difficult to place. Seems like they have a mixture of garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, basil and possibly some fennel in it. Give a call to your favorite Greek restaurant and see if they'll give up the recipe!

Answer 4

WELL BEING A GREEK MYSELF I CAN GIVE U THE BEST ANSWER .. IT IS STIL A MYSTERY WHAT ARE THE SPICES THAT EVERY "GYRADIKO" USES.. BUT PEPPER,ORIGANUM AND OF COURSE ONIONS..THEN U PUT ANYTHING U WANT IN IT.. E.G. TZATZIKI,KETCHUP,MUSTARD,FRIED POTATOS...THE BEST OF IT IS JUST WITH A LITTLE LEMON JUICE LIKE SOULVAKIA..KALYNIXTA

Answer 5

everyone makes it different. they can use a mixture of meats includidng pork and lamb. also used in greek cooking lots of oregano