Spicy Falafel Gyros, Greek Style, crispy, soft, spicy, rich in flavor. This would describe the experience of these morsels of Mediterranean goodness. This month's featured country is Greece, part of "Around the World in 12 Plates".
Song of the day: Santorini "Live at the Acropolis" by Yanni.
Spicy Falafel Gyros, Greek Style, is a palate awakening experince leaving you with delightful tinglings of spice and flavor that will linger with you after the fact and have you craving it time and again.
Around the world in 12 plates
This month in around the world in 12 plates takes us to Greece. I had so many ideas for recipes in my mind. Souvlaki, either chicken, lamb or beef with a side of hummus. Those lemon, oregano olive oil roasted potatoes. How about a nice moussaka, layers of Greek goodness and rich tomato sauce. Then out of the corner of my mind, and Nicoletta's love for falafel, I heard the faint cry "gyro", and it became louder "GYROS"! I got it, why don't we make gyros, lol. Nicoletta was in agreement and so the wheels were in motion. There are so many deviations and creations in the gyro world, stemming from different cultural areas but we wanted to keep it Greek and reseached it and came up with our rendition and take on Falafel that we call:
Spicy Falafel Gyros, Greek Style. OPA!
Falafel
Initially we wanted to use a fava bean to make the falafel, but decided to keep it real and use chickpeas. The spice comes from the combo cumin and chili powder, and mixing a bit of yellow onion, and sesame oil, gives this spicy falafel texture and a nice nutty flavor, combined with that sweet onion taste. To bind it a bit more and to ensure that crispy exterior, I used some flour. Let's not forget the fresh parsley, after all we are talking Greek food here.
Garnishes
For the garnishing aspect, Nicoletta and I decided on some beautifully sauteed purple onion and purple cabbage. I love the flavor that happens when the purple cabbage is sauteed. It becomes sweet and slightly acidic, as it is a cabbage, but the caramelized onion keep that on the down low, and in perfect balance both flavor and texture wise. For a bit of freshness, a nice ripe tomato and some organic mixed greens. This will cool the heat a bit.
Sauce
You can't have a gyro without some kind of creamy sauce, whether tzatziki, or a sweet sauce. We concocted a nice creamy sauce using ingredients that representss the Greek cultural food experience. So that being said, gives us an organic Greek yogurt as a base, I want some of that familiar nuttiness and bitterness so tahini is in order. Minced garlic which is a no brainer, and for spices cumin, and some paprika, white pepper, white balsamic vinegar, and sumac. Sumac? you say. Well it is a flowering plant found in sub tropical and temperate regions of the world. The plant flowers in a peppercorn cluster fashion and those are picked and dried, then ground and used for spice. Its flavor is citrusy and tart, reminiscent of vinegar or lemon. It is essential in Middle Eastern, and Greek cuisine. Nicoletta purchased it at The Silk Road Spice Merchant, located in the old historic area of Strathcona, Edmonton. If spices are your thing, then this will be a great playground for you. I love going in there, the aromas are just so eye opening and amazing, and the endless possibilities of recipe ideas both savory and sweet will flow with utter limitlessness. (We were not sponsored by Silk Road Spice Merchant, we just love them).
The creamiest of feta
While doing a collaboration with a fellow food blogger, we came upon a lovely creamy rich feta. We were sold at first taste and wasted no time in going and purchasing it from the Italian store. It is called Doric, and I have to tell you it is no word of a lie delicious. This would be just what we need to finish this Spicy Falafel Gyro, Greek Style, and we all know how much feta is a part of Greek food culture.
Putting the gyro together
Putting this baby together is shear joy. A nice slathering of the yogurt tahini sauce. Let's get some freshness in with those organic greens. Some of those so delicate and crispy spicy falafel. Layer in the sauteed cabbage and onion. Nestled in on the sides of the falafel some beautiful juicy tomatoes. Let's not be stingy with the sauce, on goes a nice dollop and we close this gyro wrapping it up in a sandwich paper befitting the challenge. One thing I should mention is: have lots of napkins. This is not an etiquette friendly experience, it is all about passion and messy goodness.
The taste test
The first bite in and the toasted edges and warmth of the pita invite us into this Greek delight. The second coming happens as your teeth break open the falafel and that golden crunch awakens our senses as the spice of cumin and chili powder filters through in the soft creamy slightly textured interior. The purple cabbage with reduced balsamic, dances brilliantly like a slow waltz with its richness and subtleties, along with that sauce its sophistication and complexity, coming at you with full force, dancing Greek style on your tongue. Thank God for the mixed greens and those tomatoes, they keep you balanced and alive, in between the hits of spices and delightful textures. All in all, this Spicy Falafel Gyro, Greek Style, reminds us of the passion of the Greek culture, and how food is the spice of life.
Enjoy, OPA!
Song of the day: "Live at the Acropolis" by Yanni.
PrintSpicy Falafel Gyros, Greek Style
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 large Giro 1x
Ingredients
Falafel:
- 1 cup canned chickpeas
- ½ yellow onion chopped
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Pinch of chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Dash of crushed sea salt
- Dash of white pepper
- 2 Tbsp flour
- ¼ cup canola oil for frying
Gyro sauce:
- ⅓ cup organic greek yogurt
- ⅛ cup tahini
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp sumac
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pita bread
Garnishing:
- 1 cup of red cabbage
- ½ yellow onion chopped
- 1 tsp dill
- 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt, pepper
- ½ hothouse tomatoe cut in wedges
- 1 ½ cups mixed greens salad
- ¼ cup purple onion
- ¼ cup crumbled creamy feta
Instructions
Falafel:
- In a food processor toss in chickpeas, onions, parsley, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, sesame oil.
- Pulse food processor till mixture becomes smooth.
- Add in flour and pulse some more.
- Wet your hands, and scoop 1 tablespoon of the mixture into your hand and form a nice plump patty. Continue this until all your falafel are formed.
- In a medium saute pan, pour in oil. Heat to medium to high heat and place falafel in the pan. Cook about 2 minutes a side.
- With a spatula place fried falafel on a dish with paper towel.
- Take the falafel from the plate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Put falafel in a preheated 350° F oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
Gyro sauce:
- While falafel are baking, place yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, ½ teaspoon sumac, salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, in a small bowl.
- Whisk ingredients until well incorporated and finish with a dusting of the leftover sumac. Set aside.
Red Cabbage:
- In a medium saute pan heat olive oil.
- Toss in chopped onion. Sautee till onion softens, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in red cabbage and saute for 10 minutes, adding dill, and balsamic vinegar.
- Take off heat and set aside.
Assembly:
- Take a pita round and scoop a good spoonful of the gyro sauce.
- Spread it in the middle of the pita.
- Take some of the sauteed red cabbage, and spread on top of sauce.
- Place some salad greens along the sides of the cabbage.
- Take three falafel and place down the center of the pita.
- Add in some purple onion and tomato.
- Drop a few dollops of gyro sauce on falafel.
- Close and wrap up the bottom.
- Ready to eat. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Vegetarian
- Cuisine: Fusion
Make sure you check out the other amazing recipes from fellow bloggers participating in this exciting challenge that is "Around the World in 12 Plates":
http://halifaxbloggers.ca/isaynomato/
http://korenainthekitchen.com/
https://lifeisaboutallthingsnice.blogspot.ca/2016/12/the-middle-eastern-veg-platter.html
When I am not cooking, I enjoy playing musical instruments, singing, writing. I have learned over the years to live in gratitude and enjoy the moment.
Beyond the Chicken Coop says
These look so great. I think this would make a perfect lunch for today! Healthy and delicious!
Hi Kathy, thank you for your comment. I hope you enjoyed these for lunch yesterday if you tried them. I love the spice and textures of this gyro, its a messy eating affair, but truly enjoyable one, after all that's why they made napkins! LOL.
Have a great cooking week.
Loreto
Korena in the Kitchen says
Wow, a Greek symphony of colours and flavours!
Thank you Korena, it was a colorful dish, with some amazing flavors, and I just absolutely love falafel, love that crispy coating, and soft texture inside. Just melts when you eat it, with all those delicious spices.
Have a great Monday!
Loreto
Milena | Craft Beering says
I can honestly eat falafel every day. Doesn't even have to be in a gyro, just love the flavors and the texture.
Hi Milena, Me too I love that distinct flavor and texture of the falafel. That nice crunch on the first round in and that interior that has all that steamed flavor all locked in. Next time we are going to make falafel using fava beans. Not many people like fava beans, but I think with the spices and getting that crispiness will change many a minds. Stay tunned.
Have a great week!
Loreto
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
I absolutely LOVE falafel! It's one of my favourite things, especially when paired with a creamy sauce. Love the one you have here with sumac! And the cabbage must add a lovely crunch. Such a great idea - around the world in 12 plates! So many yummy cuisines out there, isn't there 🙂 ? Hope you guys have a wonderful week!
Hi Dawn so true, so many wonderful cultures and cuisines out there. This is one of my passions culture, so when we were asked to do this series around the world in 12 plates, we were in right away and I was excited. WE should start a falafel fan club. A lot of people do not know falafel and its time to bring it to the world and so 1 plate closer opening new things to the world. Thank you so much for your comments, I lov e reading them and equally responding to them.
Happy cooking Dawn!
Loreto
karrie @ Tasty Ever After says
I think I could eat falafel every day! Love that you put a spicy spin on it and wish I could reach into my computer, pull out that sandwich and eat it for dinner tonight. Instead I have leftovers 😉 I think I'll make your falafel over the weekend though because have everything on hand! Yay! Happy weekend to you both 🙂
Hi Karrie, wouldn't that be wonderful if we could reach into the computer and try these wonderful foods. I guess we would have to think that real through as you don't want someone you don;t know reaching into your kitchen, maybe a screening process, lol. A good thought anyway. Hey leftovers are great. I love leftover pasta especially and you bake it till it is crisp and golden, yum.
A great weekend to you both to! Cheers!
Loreto
Food Meanderings says
Wow - I am not familiar with Sumac! I have bought from Silk road at the Farmer's Market in Calgary and in Inglewood - they have a great selection! But we are in Edmonton next weekend so I may stop in... This looks sooo fabulous!
Hi Terri, thank you for commenting. Silk road is such a fabulous store and the aromas that emenate from there are so intoxicating, I always want to buy so much but my financial side keeps me in check. The sumac is wonderful for sauces or ethnic stews. It is very citrus and tart ,which always goes well with those spicy flavors. That's great that you will be in Edmonton, it would be nice to get together and meet have a coffee or something. Let us know if you are interested.
Have a great Friday.
Loreto
Natalie Browne says
I love the "around the world" series you guys are doing. So fun! I always enjoy all the flavours that happen in falafel. Your gyros look delicious!
Thank you Natalie, it is so much fun to be a part of this around the world in 12 plates. We are always so excited to find out the next place. For me culture has always been a passion, and in my earlier years had the opportunity to emmerse myself in the, and am so grateful for the experience and beautiful memories. Add in cultural food and I am in my personal heave.
Have a great weekend.CXheers!
Loreto
Lisa [ The Viet Vegan ] says
I've always been so intimidated by making falafel but it looks so so delicious =O I used to have gyros from a local place by my high school for lunch, so now you've made me nostalgic XD
Hi Lisa, always like some nastalgia. I also was a bit intimidated years ago by falafel but having made them relieves that fear, and I guess its true what they say, walk through your fear. I always love when we face our fears and feel so relieved after. We can celebrate with these amazing gyros. Its kind of funny but most high schools have these middle eastern places by them, smart business move, lol.
Have a wonderful week end, and thank you!
Loreto
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Greek cuisine is among my favourite ones. I loved this recipe and you motivated me to try it, Loreto.
Thank you Agness, it is always nice to motivate people especially in the food blog world. I hope you will try this one, it is so tasy and is luxurious in texture. Would love to hear your feed back.
Happy Cooking!
Loreto