Greek Chickpea Vegan Gyros

$To make Greek Chickpea Vegan Gyros, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat pita bread or wraps - 1 medium cucumber, diced - 1 medium tomato, diced - ½ red onion, thinly sliced - ½ cup vegan tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty and satisfying meal. The chickpeas give protein and texture. Olive oil adds richness and helps the spices stick. Dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give flavor and depth. The fresh veggies add crunch and brightness. Vegan tzatziki sauce brings creaminess and tang. Lastly, garnishes like parsley or mint add a fresh touch. Gather these items before you start cooking. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store. Now, let's create a meal that tastes great and is easy to make! {{ingredient_image_1}} Mashing Technique Start with a can of chickpeas. Drain and rinse them well. In a medium bowl, use a fork or potato masher to lightly mash the chickpeas. You want them slightly broken but still chunky. This adds texture and keeps the gyros interesting. Mixing Ingredients Once mashed, add in the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the chickpeas are coated with the spices. This step is key for flavor, so make sure everything is blended nicely. Recommended Equipment Use a non-stick skillet for cooking. It helps to keep the chickpeas from sticking and allows them to crisp up nicely. If you don’t have one, a regular skillet will work too, just watch the heat. Cooking Time and Tips Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpea mixture and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want them heated through and slightly crispy on the outside for that perfect bite. Layering Ingredients Take your warmed pita bread or wraps. Spread a generous amount of vegan tzatziki sauce on each one. Top with the cooked chickpeas, diced cucumber, diced tomato, and sliced red onion. The layers create a burst of flavors in every bite. Serving Suggestions Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or mint leaves for extra flavor. Fold the pita over to create a wrap. Serve immediately for the best taste. You can also wrap them in parchment paper for a fun, rustic touch. Enjoy your homemade Greek Chickpea Vegan Gyros! To get crispy chickpeas, start by draining and rinsing them well. This step keeps the moisture out. Use a fork or potato masher to lightly mash the chickpeas. You want them broken but not pureed. This keeps some texture. When cooking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpea mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir often for even cooking. The goal is a nice crisp on the outside. If you want extra crunch, try adding a bit more olive oil while cooking. A great spice mix can elevate your gyros. Besides the basic seasoning, think about adding cumin for warmth or coriander for brightness. You can even mix in a pinch of cayenne for heat. Feel free to get creative! Try adding lemon zest to brighten up the flavors. It brings a fresh taste that pairs well with the chickpeas. Experiment until you find your perfect blend. How you serve your gyros can make them look even more tasty. Wrap them in parchment paper for a casual vibe. It’s perfect for a picnic or a dinner at home. You can also serve the gyros with a small bowl of extra tzatziki sauce for dipping. It adds a fun interactive element. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley or mint. A pop of green makes the dish more inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or mint can elevate the flavors of your gyros significantly. Consider adding a mix of both for a more aromatic experience. Customize Your Tzatziki: If you have time, make your own tzatziki sauce with grated cucumber, vegan yogurt, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for a fresher taste. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the chickpea mixture to your liking. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick! Make it a Meal Prep: The chickpea mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick meals. {{image_2}} You can swap chickpeas for other legumes. Lentils or white beans work well here. They offer a great taste and texture. With lentils, the cooking time may change slightly. Use cooked lentils, about 1.5 cups, instead of chickpeas. With white beans, use the same amount as chickpeas. They add a creamy feel and complement the spices. Toppings add freshness and crunch. You can use fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or chives. They boost flavor and nutrition. For veggies, try bell peppers, radishes, or shredded carrots. These colorful toppings make your gyros pop. You can mix and match to suit your taste. Tzatziki adds a cool touch to gyros. You can make it at home easily. Mix yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice for a quick version. Or, blend store-bought yogurt with herbs. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt. This works great and keeps the dish vegan. Store-bought tzatziki is also fine if you’re short on time. Just check the label for vegan options. After enjoying your Greek Chickpea Vegan Gyros, you may have some leftovers. Store the cooked chickpea mixture in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool first. If you store it warm, it can create moisture and spoil faster. Want to save your gyros for later? You can freeze the chickpea mixture. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This keeps the texture and flavor fresh. To reheat, you have a few options. You can use a skillet on the stove. Heat it over medium heat for around 5 minutes, stirring often. This helps keep the chickpeas tasty and slightly crispy. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. Just be careful not to overcook! Enjoy your gyros warm, just like when you first made them. Yes, you can prep the chickpeas ahead. Store the cooked chickpea mixture in the fridge for up to two days. Warm it before serving. You can also slice the veggies in advance. Just keep them in a sealed container in the fridge. Warm the pita bread right before you assemble the gyros. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some ideas: - Greek salad with olives and feta - Roasted vegetables with olive oil - Crispy potato wedges with herbs - Hummus served with pita chips - A light lemon orzo salad No, the standard pita bread is not gluten-free. However, you can easily make it gluten-free. Look for gluten-free pita options at your store. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version. - Gluten-free pita bread - Lettuce leaves for wraps - Corn tortillas as a swap Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. You'll need to soak and cook them first. This adds some time, but it can enhance flavor. 1. Soak dried chickpeas overnight in water. 2. Drain and rinse them. 3. Boil them for about 1-2 hours until tender. 4. Follow the same steps for mashing and seasoning. In this blog post, we covered how to make Greek chickpea vegan gyros. We started with ingredient lists, focusing on chickpeas, spices, and fresh veggies. I shared simple steps for preparation and cooking. You learned tips to perfect texture and enhance flavor. We discussed variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions. Now, you have the tools to create tasty gyros at home. Try different ingredients and enjoy your cooking journey!$

Greek Chickpea Vegan Gyros

A delicious and healthy vegan twist on traditional gyros, featuring spiced chickpeas and fresh vegetables wrapped in whole wheat pita.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
4 whole wheat pita bread or wraps
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 medium tomato, diced
0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup vegan tzatziki sauce
for garnish fresh parsley or mint leaves

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mash the chickpeas lightly with a fork or potato masher until they’re slightly broken but still have some texture.
Add olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Mix until the chickpeas are well coated with the spices.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpea mixture and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Warm the whole wheat pita bread in a dry pan for about 1 minute on each side until soft and pliable, or wrap them in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Spread a generous amount of vegan tzatziki sauce on each pita. Top with the chickpea mixture, diced cucumber, diced tomato, and sliced red onion.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or mint leaves for added flavor and freshness. Fold the pita over to create a wrap and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve the gyros wrapped in parchment paper for a rustic touch, alongside a small bowl of extra tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Keyword chickpeas, gyros, healthy, vegan, wraps