Thursday, June 2, 2016

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY ; Enjoy Spicy Grilled Beef Gyros with a Sophisticated Cole Slaw





Since the early 2000s I have watched the newest Dads in my family raise their young children. Chris, Steve, Ed, Todd, Dave, James, Dan, Paul, Eric and Craig inspire me. They not only work many hours at their jobs, but they are active partners in parenting. They diaper, soothe their crying baby, attend school and sports events, and stay very involved. I see them parent with encouragement, support, and lots of affection, play and fun.
Being a Mother, I never paid a lot of attention to Father’s Day, but these young fathers deserve the honor of their day, they continue to earn it, and they have my respect.


GRILL YOUR OWN BEEF GYROS



These spicy grilled beef slices are tucked inside pita bread or bread wrap of your choice.
The cucumber sauce is just the right topping for the hot beef, tomatoes, and onion. When you serve these sandwiches, expect them to go fast.

This recipe can make 8 to 10 half-pita sandwiches using the large pita bread rounds.

The marinade and cucumber sauce can be made ahead of time and kept tightly sealed in the refrigerator.

SPICY GRILLED BEEF GYROS     

Ingredients:  1 boneless beef sirloin tip roast (2-3 pounds will make 8-10 sandwiches); cut into 1/4 " thick slices (ask the meat man at the market to do this).

                        5 whole large-size pita breads, warmed and halved

                        chopped onions and chopped tomato

        Marinade:         1 medium onion, cut into chunks

                        2 cloves of garlic

                        1 tablespoon ground mustard

                        1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 2 teaspoons if you prefer to use fresh)

                        1 and 1/2 teaspoons pepper

                        1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

                        2 tablespoons sugar

                        1/2 cup soy sauce

                        1/4 cup water

Put first seven ingredients for marinade into a blender or food processor. Process till onion is finely chopped.

 Add soy sauce and water, process until blended. Place sliced beef in a resealable plastic bag, add marinade and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

            Topping: Cucumber sauce:

                        1 medium cucumber; peeled, seeded, cut into chunks

                        4 garlic cloves

                        1/2 teaspoon salt

                        1/2 teaspoon pepper

                        1/3 cup cider vinegar

                        1/3 cup olive or vegetable oil

                        2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream

Combine cucumber, garlic, and salt in blender; process till cucumber finely chopped. Add vinegar and oil, process till blended. Put into bowl; stir in sour cream. Refrigerate till serving.

Drain and discard marinade. Grill beef, covered, over medium hot heat until meat done to your preference. Place beef in warmed pita halves. Top with chopped onion, chopped tomatoes, and cucumber sauce.



This coleslaw recipe won first prize in a recipe contest for using cabbage, out of more than 3,000 entries. 
Believe me, it is good, different, and has been very popular in my newspaper food columns.
               
Sophisticated Coleslaw
Ingredients:
 1 medium green cabbage, outer leaves removed and finely shredded
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
 1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
 1 medium jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
 1/3 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt
  1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
 large pinch of sugar, or more to taste
Place shredded cabbage in large bowl. Add onion, cilantro, and jalapeno and toss to mix. Sprinkle with oil, lime juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar and toss to coat. Let slaw sit for 1 hour, tossing a couple of times. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Wait another hour before serving at room temperature. Drain before serving.
Makes 8-10 servings





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