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Mediterranean Gyro Bowls: A Flavorful Journey into Healthy Eating Recipe

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Mediterranean Gyro Bowls combine flavorful lamb meatballs, refreshing tzatziki sauce, zesty lemon rice, and a crisp cucumber salad for a wholesome, satisfying meal that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground lamb (or beef, if preferred)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste

For the Lemon Rice:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cucumber Salad:

  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar (red wine or white)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb (or beef) with breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined, then form the mixture into small golf-ball-sized meatballs.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, bake for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through, turning halfway through cooking for even browning.
  3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Stir well and chill in the refrigerator until serving time to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Prepare the Lemon Rice: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add basmati rice and toast it for approximately 2 minutes to enhance flavor. Pour in broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed. Fluff rice gently with a fork before serving.
  5. Create the Cucumber Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, olives if using, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Assemble the Gyro Bowls: In individual serving bowls, layer the lemon rice first, followed by the baked meatballs, then spoon on a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, and add a side of cucumber salad. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh parsley or dill for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • For a leaner option, substitute ground beef for lamb or use a mixture of both.
  • Make sure to drain the grated cucumber thoroughly to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
  • The meatballs can be cooked on the stovetop in a skillet if you prefer pan-frying over baking.
  • Leftover lemon rice can be used as a base for other Mediterranean bowls or served alongside grilled vegetables.
  • Olives in the cucumber salad are optional but add a nice salty contrast to the fresh vegetables.

Keywords: Mediterranean Gyro Bowls, Lamb Meatballs, Tzatziki Sauce, Lemon Rice, Cucumber Salad, Healthy Eating

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/mediterranean-gyro-bowls-a-flavorful-journey-into-healthy-eating-recipe/