Kofta Gyros or “meatball pitas w/garlic fries & tzatziki”

Name: Kofta Gyros or “meatball pitas w/garlic fries & tzatziki”
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 large russet potatoes, cut into ¼-inch-thick matchsticks; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 4 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Fine pink Himalayan salt; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated; 1 pound ground lamb or lean beef, or a combination; 1 small yellow onion, grated; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Fine pink Himalayan salt and freshly; ground black pepper; Extra-virgin olive oil, for your hands; 2 cups plain Greek yogurt; 2 Persian cucumbers, grated; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated; ½ cup chopped fresh dill; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; ½ teaspoon fine pink Himalayan salt; 6 pitas or naan, warmed; Shredded lettuce; Chopped cherry tomatoes; Chopped fresh parsley; Quick-Pickled Red Onions (page 221); or store-bought pickled onions

7 steps

Prep:30minCook:35min

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 03:17:00 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Good

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

High

Nutrition per serving

Calories664.5 kcal (33%)

Total Fat35.1 g (50%)

Carbs59.3 g (23%)

Sugars6.8 g (8%)

Protein28.5 g (57%)

Sodium927.5 mg (46%)

Fiber6.1 g (22%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

6 servings

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

OvenPreheat

MAKE THE FRIES

Step 2

On a separate baking sheet, toss the potatoes with the olive oil, 2 tablespoons of the oregano, the red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Arrange the potatoes in an even layer, spacing them apart. NOTE: You might need a second baking sheet here; if your pan is too crowded, your potatoes will steam instead of crisp. No one wants a steamy fry!

Step 3

Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, then flip and roast until the potatoes are crispy but still tender, 15 minutes more. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add

Step 4

the remaining 2 tablespoons oregano and the garlic. Toss gently to combine.

MEANWHILE MAKE THE KOFTAS/MEATBALLS

Step 5

In a medium bowl, combine the lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix well to combine. Coat your hands with a bit of olive oil, then roll the meat mixture into golf-ball- sized balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet; you will have 12 to 15 meatballs. Bake until the meatballs are crisp on the outside and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 6

To serve, smear the tzatziki onto warmed pitas. Top with lettuce, tomato, and parsley. Add the meatballs. Finish with more tzatziki, pickled onions, and parsley. Serve the fries alongside, with more tzatziki for dipping.

MAKE the TZATZIKI

Step 7

In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Taste and add more salt as needed. Stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.