A Taste of the Mediterranean: Homemade Greek Souvlaki

Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated for its fresh and vibrant flavors, and one dish that beautifully represents this is Greek Souvlaki. These mouthwatering skewers feature marinated and grilled pieces of meat (typically pork or chicken) served with pita bread and a variety of delicious toppings and sauces. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own Homemade Greek Souvlaki, allowing you to savor the authentic taste of the Mediterranean in your own kitchen.

**Ingredients**:

*For the Souvlaki Marinade*:
- 1 pound of pork or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste

*For Serving*:
- Pita bread
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Sliced cucumbers
- Tzatziki sauce
- Kalamata olives
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

*For Tzatziki Sauce*:
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste

**Instructions**:

**For the Souvlaki Marinade**:

1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, plain yogurt, minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

2. Add the bite-sized pieces of pork or chicken to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

**For Making Tzatziki Sauce**:

1. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

**For Assembling Greek Souvlaki**:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Thread the marinated pork or chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with red onions.

3. Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred.

4. Warm the pita bread on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.

5. To serve, place the grilled meat and red onions on a piece of pita bread.

6. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a generous dollop of Tzatziki sauce.

7. Garnish with Kalamata olives and fresh parsley.

Now, you can savor the authentic taste of the Mediterranean with your Homemade Greek Souvlaki. These flavorful skewers are a perfect representation of Mediterranean cuisine and are ideal for experiencing the fresh and vibrant flavors of the region in your own kitchen. Καλή όρεξη! (Bon appétit in Greek)