Gyros soup - a Greek inspired comfort dish
What's great about summer? Greek food, with its unique and characteristic blend of flavours and spices that dance Sirtaki in our mouths and taste like a day in the Mediterranean.
What's great about winter? Warming comfort food, hearty soups and time spent cooking in the kitchen.
What's great about this Gyros soup? It combines the best of both worlds ;-)
What is Gyros soup?
I would assume most of you have not heard of Gyros soup before, and I can't blame you. Contrary to what you may be led to believe, it is not a Greek dish. It made a sudden appearance in Germany in the 90s and has been a firm party food and winter favourite since.
What made Gyros soup so popular?
Following the popularity of Greek restaurants, supermarkets began to sell meat (usually pork), marinated in Greek herbs and spices, as gateway to quick weeknight meals. The recipes evolved and thus the Gyros soup was born: a comforting fusion of traditional Greek cuisine and hearty winter comfort food that is a perfect blend of savory flavors and rich textures.
Imagine a bowl filled with tender gyro meat, seasoned with classic Greek herbs like oregano and thyme. This savory meat is then combined with fresh vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and peppers, all simmering in a rich and creamy broth. The result is a warm and satisfying soup that's perfect for chilly days (and warm days, I am partial to soup at any time of the year).
To complete the experience, serve your gyro soup with a side of crusty homemade bread (definitely try my super easy Soda Bread recipe). Dip the bread into the flavorful broth and savor every bite.
Making your own spice mix / marinade for the meat:
If your butcher/supermarket does not sell premarinated Gyro meat, make your own spice mix from the following:
- 2 TBSP dried oregano
- 2 TBSP dried thyme
- 2 TBSP dried marjoram
- 3 TBSP paprika (sweet)
- 1 TBSP ground/dried coriander
- 1 TBSP ground cumin
- 1 TBSP ground black pepper
- 1/2 TBSP chili flakes
- 1 TBSP garlic powder
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Mix all together and marinate the meat for at least two hours (ideally over night).
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Gyro soup - the taste of Greece in a bowl
This comforting and flavorful soup is a unique fusion of traditional Greek cuisine and hearty winter comfort food.
Fact Sheet
Category: Soup Cuisine: Gluten free Low carb Soups Main Dishes European under 1 hour Meat dishes Cooking Method: cooking Diet: Low Carb Gluten Free Preparation Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 60 minutes Servings: 2Ingredients
- 500g Gyro meat (pork cutlets cut into thin strips) (either pre-marinated or marinate yourself using my instructions above)
- 2 medium size yellow onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 800ml (3.5 cups) chicken stock
- 200g heavy sour cream (sour cream with 20%-30% fat content)
- 2 TBSP mustard
- 5 tsp sugar
- 50g tomato paste
- 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- clarified butter, butter or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large pot (I use a 5 quart Dutch Oven), brown meat in (clarified) butter or oil, then remove from pot
- Cook onions in butter/oil until translucent, then add minced garlic
- Add 3 tsp sugar, 1 TBSP mustard, stir and caramelise carefully
- Add bell pepper strips and 2 tsp sugar, cook on medium-low heat for five minutes
- Add tomato puree, stir well and let brown carefully
- Add back the meat (including meat juices) and chicken stock
- Let simmer for approx. 45 minutes
- Right before serving, stir in the sour cream
