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grilled eggplant gyros with fresh tzatziki

by Jackie Newgent  |  May 5, 2016  |  10 Comments

Grilled Eggplant Gyros with Fresh Tzatziki

No mystery meat here! Instead, you’ve got 100% real eggplant with charry grilled goodness as the star of this super flavorful, super saucy gyro for vegetarians—or part-time plant-based eaters!

One of the secrets to its scrumptiousness is the homemade gyro seasoning. Make several batches of it in advance so you have it on hand any time you plan to cookout! You’ll get plenty of fresh tzatziki sauce here, too. I absolutely don’t believe in skimping on that. (Hint: You can make it 100% plant-based, if you like.)

This inspired gyro will surely become a new favorite at your backyard BBQ! Or whip out a grill pan and make this for a meat-free fix anytime. Hint: It’ll absolutely make a memorable Meatless Monday!

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grilled eggplant gyros with fresh tzatziki


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  • Author: Jackie Newgent
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 large (1 1/4 pound) eggplant, cut into 12 rounds
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 recipe Jackie’s Greek Gyro Seasoning (see below)
  • 1 1/3 cups plain fat-free Greek yogurt or vegan alternative
  • Juice of 1/2 small lemon (1 tablespoon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup finely diced unpeeled English cucumber
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill
  • 4 whole grain pocketless pitas, lightly grilled
  • 2 Roma (plum) tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced


Instructions

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan. Very lightly brush both sides of the eggplant rounds with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Season one side of the eggplant rounds with the gyro seasoning. Grill eggplant (seasoned side up first) over direct medium-high heat until cooked through and rich grill marks form, about 5 to 6 minutes per side.
  2. Meanwhile, make the tzatziki sauce by adding the yogurt, lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl and whisk to thoroughly combine. (Hint: The thicker the yogurt, the better!) Add the cucumber, garlic, mint, and dill and stir to evenly combine. Adjust seasoning. (Makes 1 2/3 cups tzatziki.)*
  3. Top each pita with about 3 tablespoons each tzatziki. Arrange the grilled eggplant on the pita. Top with tomatoes and onion and fold. Serve with remaining tzatziki on the side. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Notes

Per serving (based on 2.25oz pitas): 360 calories, 13g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol., 900mg sodium, 54g total carbohydrate, 9g dietary fiber, 9g sugars, 15g protein

(NOTE: if using 3 oz. pitas = 420 calories, 13g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 990mg sodium, 65g total carbohydrate, 10g dietary fiber, 9g sugars, 17g protein)

JACKIE’S GREEK GYRO SEASONING: Mix together 3/4 teaspoon each sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano leaves, and 1/4 teaspoon each dried dill, crushed dried rosemary, and cayenne pepper. Makes 1 recipe (4 servings).
Hint: Make in advance and store in sealed, labeled jar. To make a milder version of this seasoning, replace the 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

*If desired, these gyros can be drizzled with a tahini dressing in place of tzatziki: Whisk together 1/3 cup each tahini and unsweetened green tea, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and pinch of ground cumin.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 gyro

Tasteover Tips

  • When you can swap a veggie for a meat, do it! Grill the veggie, like eggplant, for extra smoky flavor. And make sure the meal still has plenty of protein otherwise.
  • Play up spices! It’s no time to be shy when making a recipe healthier. Besides, spices help pump up plant-based nutrients to provide health protective properties, too.
  • Be generous with healthful sauces, like tzatziki. (Hello, probiotics!)
#MeatlessMonday
#MeatlessMonday

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    1. Hi Amber! Glad it came out good! As for the runniness … nope, I didn’t strain my Greek yogurt. But not all Greek yogurts are the same. So absolutely further strain your Greek yogurt in advance either through a paper towel-lined mesh strainer or cheesecloth. And keep in mind that as the tzatziki sits (or if you leftovers), there will be extra moisture from the cucumber. Hope you enjoy again! 🙂

      1. Amber as jackie mentioned there are various forms of Greek yoghurt. I would suggest that the best so that you don’t get the runniness is to get the “set Greek yoghurt” this is firmer and won’t run.

  1. So delicious!!! Just made for my husband and I and this will become a staple meal for us! Thank you for sharing!