Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal with vibrant flavors, these chickpea gyros are exactly what you need. The roasted chickpeas provide a crispy texture that complements the freshness of the salad ingredients and the tangy tzatziki. This recipe is not only vegetarian but also full of protein and fiber, making it both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can adjust the level of spice and add your favorite veggies for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
- 1 (400g) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 flatbreads
- ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ½ head romaine lettuce, shredded
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ¼ cup sliced olives
- 2 tbsp feta, crumbled
- 2 servings tzatziki sauce
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Drain and rinse the chickpeas, patting them dry and removing any excess skins.
- Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast the chickpeas in the oven for 20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare the tzatziki sauce and chop your salad vegetables: cucumber, tomato, romaine lettuce, red onion, and olives.
- Once the chickpeas are done, remove them from the oven.
- To assemble the gyros, spread the tzatziki sauce on the flatbreads, then add the chopped salad vegetables, roasted chickpeas, and crumbled feta.
- Wrap the gyros tightly in baking paper to hold everything together, or simply serve with a knife and fork for a less messy option.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade chickpea gyros!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 2 portions
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Additional Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: If you want extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or lamb for a more traditional gyro experience.
- Spicy Version: Increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to give the gyros more of a kick.
- Vegan Option: Skip the feta or substitute it with vegan cheese to make this dish completely plant-based.
- More Vegetables: You can add other fresh veggies like bell peppers, avocado, or olives for added flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover roasted chickpeas and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chickpeas can stay crispy for up to 2 days, while the tzatziki will last for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the chickpeas, place them back in a preheated oven for a few minutes to crisp them up. Avoid microwaving, as they may lose their crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use dry chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the dried chickpeas before using them. Soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before following the seasoning and roasting instructions.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
You can increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the tzatziki for extra heat.
3. Can I make these gyros in advance?
The roasted chickpeas can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. Prepare the tzatziki sauce and salad ingredients ahead of time as well, but assemble the gyros just before serving for the best texture.
4. Can I use a different bread instead of flatbreads?
Yes! You can substitute flatbreads with pita, wraps, or any other type of bread you prefer.
5. Can I make the tzatziki sauce myself?
Yes, you can easily make homemade tzatziki using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or mint.
6. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free flatbread or wraps.
7. Can I skip the feta cheese?
Yes! If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, you can skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Store the roasted chickpeas, tzatziki sauce, and any leftover salad ingredients in separate containers in the fridge. This way, the ingredients stay fresh for a longer period.
9. How do I make these gyros vegan?
For a vegan version, simply omit the feta and use a vegan tzatziki or a dairy-free yogurt for the sauce.
10. Can I make these gyros without using an oven?
Yes, you can roast the chickpeas in a pan on the stovetop. Just heat the oil and spices in a pan, then add the chickpeas and cook them until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Conclusion
These chickpea gyros are a fun, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal in no time. With a perfect balance of roasted chickpeas, fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and crumbled feta, this dish is sure to become a go-to for quick, satisfying meals. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, these gyros are the ideal choice!
Chickpea Gyros
These chickpea gyros are a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish featuring roasted chickpeas, fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and crumbled feta, all wrapped in soft flatbread. A quick, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 portions
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roast, Assemble
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 (400g) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
Pinch of cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 flatbreads
¼ cucumber, thinly sliced
1 tomato, sliced
½ head romaine lettuce, shredded
½ red onion, sliced
¼ cup sliced olives
2 tbsp feta, crumbled
2 servings tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Drain and rinse the chickpeas, patting them dry and removing any excess skins.
- Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast the chickpeas in the oven for 20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- While the chickpeas are roasting, prepare the tzatziki sauce and chop your salad vegetables: cucumber, tomato, romaine lettuce, red onion, and olives.
- Once the chickpeas are done, remove them from the oven.
- To assemble the gyros, spread the tzatziki sauce on the flatbreads, then add the chopped salad vegetables, roasted chickpeas, and crumbled feta.
- Wrap the gyros tightly in baking paper to hold everything together, or simply serve with a knife and fork for a less messy option.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade chickpea gyros!
Notes
If you want extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or lamb for a more traditional gyro experience.
To make it spicy, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the tzatziki.
For a vegan version, skip the feta or substitute it with vegan cheese.
Store leftover roasted chickpeas and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
If you prefer, you can roast the chickpeas on the stovetop instead of using the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 10mg