Roasted Chickpea Gyros Recipe
Introduction
Roasted Chickpea Gyros are a delicious and satisfying vegetarian twist on the classic Greek street food. Crispy, spiced chickpeas pair perfectly with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki, all wrapped in warm pita bread. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 pita bread rounds
- 1 cup tzatziki
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Step 2: Pat the chickpeas dry using paper towels, removing any loose skins to help them crisp better.
- Step 3: In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Spread the seasoned chickpeas on a greased rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 20 minutes, until lightly browned but still tender.
- Step 5: To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki on one side of each pita bread. Top with a quarter of the roasted chickpeas, then add red onion slices, lettuce leaves, and tomato slices.
- Step 6: Fold the pita in half and enjoy your flavorful roasted chickpea gyros!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, roast the chickpeas a few minutes longer, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Feel free to add cucumbers or olives for more traditional gyro flavors.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pita to suit dietary preferences.
- If you prefer a milder spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Storage
Store any leftover roasted chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispness. Prepared gyros are best eaten fresh, but you can wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat the chickpeas in the oven to restore their crunch before assembling again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to soak and cook dried chickpeas beforehand. Using canned chickpeas saves time and works well for this recipe.
Is tzatziki necessary for the gyros?
Tzatziki adds a cool, tangy flavor that complements the spices, but you can substitute with hummus or a garlic yogurt sauce if preferred.
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Roasted Chickpea Gyros Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Chickpea Gyros recipe offers a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian twist on traditional gyros by roasting seasoned chickpeas to crispy perfection. Served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Roasted Chickpeas
- 1 can Chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Gyro Assembly
- 4 Pita Bread
- 1 cup Tzatziki
- 1/4 Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Lettuce Leaves
- 1 Tomato, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s properly heated for roasting the chickpeas.
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas, then pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels. Remove any loose skins for better texture when roasted.
- Season the Chickpeas: In a bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt until they’re evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Roast the Chickpeas: Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a greased rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re lightly browned and crispy but not overly hard.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita breads slightly if desired. Spread approximately 1/4 cup of tzatziki sauce on one side of each pita. Top each with a quarter of the roasted chickpeas, some sliced red onion, a couple of lettuce leaves, and tomato slices.
- Serve: Fold each pita in half over the fillings and serve immediately while the chickpeas are still warm and crisp.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, shake the baking sheet or stir the chickpeas halfway through roasting.
- Feel free to add other gyro toppings like cucumber slices, feta cheese, or olives.
- Use gluten-free pita bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
- To save time, you can prepare the tzatziki homemade or use store-bought.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: roasted chickpeas, gyros recipe, vegetarian gyros, Mediterranean pita, healthy chickpea recipe
