Here is a way to enjoy Greek/Turkish gyros without the meat.
Serves 6 to 8
pre-heat oven to 400F (200C)
soak cashews 2-4 hours
A. Tzatziki sauce:
1 cup (200 g) organic raw cashews, soaked in water for 2-4 hours
1/2 cup (240 ml) water
1 1/2 Tbs. (20 ml) tamari
1 Tbs. (15 ml) each: organic lemon juice and tahini
1 chopped garlic clove
1/2 organic cucumber, diced
1/4 cup (50 g) chopped dill or 1/8 cup (25 g) dry dill
handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
optional:
- feta cheese (which is not diary-free)
- (dairy-fee) organic yogurt
1. Drain and rinse the cashews.
2. Place them in a blander along with the water, tamarind, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour the lemon juice over the red onions in a small bowl.
5. Mix well and let them marinate.
B. Gyros:
1 large or 2 small organic eggplant*, cut in half lengthwise, sliced into half-moons
1 large organic portobello mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
2 Tbs. (30 ml) olive oil
2 Tbs. (30 g) za'atar spice, divided in half
juice of 1/2 organic lemon
1/2 small organic red onion, thinly sliced
6-8 (dairy-, gluten-free) whole wheat wraps or tortillas
2 organic tomatoes, sliced or 2 cups (400 g) organic cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 organic cucumber, slide
1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the eggplant and mushrooms in a bowl.
3. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Toss.
4. Arrange the eggplant and mushrooms slices on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle with 1 Tbs. (15 g) za'atar.
5. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20 minutes.
6. Flip them over, sprinkle with remaining za'atar.
7. Bake another 15 minutes until soft and golden brown.
8. When they are done, remove from the oven.
9. Place a free pieces of roasted eggplant and mushroom in the middle of each tortilla or wrap, top with few slices of tomatoes, cucumber, and marinated onions.
10. Finish with tzatziki sauce.
(a) optional feta cheese (not diary-free)
(b) optional: yogurt
11. Wrap and serve.
*Choosing an eggplant:
*Choosing an eggplant:
- firm flesh
- no bruises
- glossy skin
- no blemishes
- tight skin so it "squeaks" when your rub it
- long green, not brown, steam means it was just picked
-modified Simply Vibrant
Portobellos are a little pricy, but one can be a meal.
