Traditional Greek Souvlaki

Here is a traditional Greek marinade recipe that works beautifully for 1.5 to 2 pounds of pork tenderloin or chicken breast/thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil

• 3 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

• 3 cloves Garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp Dried Greek oregano

• 1 tsp Salt

• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. Whisk: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or a zip-top bag until well mixed.

2. Toss: Add your cubed meat and ensure every piece is thoroughly coated.

3. Marinate: Seal and refrigerate.

   • For chicken: Marinate for 1 to 2 hours.

   • For pork: Marinate for 2 to 4 hours (pork can handle a bit more time, but don't go overnight or the lemon juice will alter the meat's texture).

4. Grill: Thread the meat onto skewers (soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes first) and cook over medium-high heat for 8 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until beautifully charred and cooked through.

Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt (full fat is best)

• 1/2 English cucumber, grated

• 1-2 cloves Garlic, finely minced

• 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp Fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp Fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)

• 1/2 tsp Salt

Instructions

1. Drain the cucumber: Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much water as possible. This step is crucial to keep the sauce from getting watery.

2. Mix: Combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt in a bowl.

3. Chill: Stir well, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Final Assembly

For an authentic touch, grab Greek pita bread (the thick, pocketless kind), sliced tomatoes, and sliced red onions.

Assembly Steps

1. Warm the pita: Brush both sides of the pita lightly with olive oil and warm it in a skillet for 1 minute per side until soft and pliable.

2. Spread the sauce: Lay the warm pita flat and spread a generous dollop of tzatziki down the center.

3. Add the meat: Slide the grilled souvlaki meat off the skewer and place it directly on top of the tzatziki.

4. Layer the toppings: Add a few slices of tomato, thin wedges of red onion, and a sprinkle of dried oregano or fresh parsley.

5. Roll and wrap: Fold the bottom of the pita up slightly to catch drips, then tightly roll the sides over the filling. Wrap the bottom half in parchment paper or foil to hold it together.