Sizzling Summer Greek Recipe
Sofie's Souvlaki with Tzatziki

If you're familiar with our girl Sofie, then you know that one of her favorite foods is souvlaki, the Greek equivalent to the American hamburger. She gets hers from a stand on the corner of Broadway and 30th in Astoria, but you can easily make your own! Here's how...

Tzatziki (Garlic and Cucumber Yogurt Sauce)

1 – 32-ounce container plain yogurt
1 – large English, seedless cucumber, peeled
8 – cloves garlic, peeled and chopped (more or less garlic to taste; we use a whole bulb)
½ to 1 cup – extra virgin olive oil to taste
1 – tablespoon salt (kosher salt preferable but not necessary)
1 – teaspoon vinegar (cider vinegar preferable but any type can be used)
dash of pepper

In medium-sized bowl, grate the peeled cucumber and squeeze excess liquid out by hand. Add remainder of ingredients and stir well and vigorously. Refrigerate an hour or so before using if possible. Stir again before serving. Opa!

Souvlaki - Grilled Pork Wraps (makes 10)

1 – 4 pound cut of pork roast (or lamb or chicken or steak equivalent)
1 – package of 10” bamboo skewers
½ cup of olive oil, juice of ½ lemon, teaspoon Greek or regular oregano
salt and pepper

Trim fat (or not<bg>), cut pork into one-inch squares and then put on skewers (say 5-6 squares per skewer, tightly positioned). Sprinkle on salt and pepper to taste. Grill on med-high for approximately 20-25 minutes until pork is thoroughly cooked, brushing with oil mix and turning frequently.

1 – package regular-sized pita bread (10)
1 – medium-large red onion (white is okay)
1 – bunch of fresh parsley
2 – medium tomatoes
salt and pepper (optional)

Quarter red onion and slice thinly. Chop parsley greens. Add parsley to onion slices in bowl and squeeze together until well mixed and the onions are separated and soft.

Halve the tomatoes and then cut into ¼ inch slices.

Lightly brush pita on both sides with olive oil and warm slightly on grill.

Using paper towels (or foil) to protect your hand and for folding purposes, pick up a pita, put a skewer in the middle and squeeze the pita closed so you can remove the skewer. Next, add a bit of the onion and parsley mixture, a few slices of tomato (I like to add a little salt and pepper at this point) and then tzatziki. Fold the pita over ingredients, wrapping the paper towel to hold it closed. Enjoy! (Add a bowl of tzatziki sauce to the table for those who would like to add more as they go.)

Greek fries: regular french fries sprinkled with sea salt and Greek oregano.

Kali Orexi!