Meatless 3-Bean Gyros

Intro: Meatless 3-Bean Gyros

These meatless gyros took inspiration from black bean burgers. Instead of just black beans, though, they are made from a combination of black, kidney, and garbanzo beans/chickpeas with flavorful Mediterranean spices. They are so simple to make and a low-cost meal in these times of inflation. With canned beans and dried herbs and spices from your pantry, you've got yourself not only a protein-packed meat alternative, but one boosted with healthy dietary fiber.

STEP 1: Process Beans

Combine beans in a food processor and process to a thick paste consistency. You may need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your food processor.

STEP 2: Season

Add the flaxseed meal + 1/4 cup water, herbs, and spices to the processed beans and mix until fully combined. I had to do this in a separate bowl as I needed to process the beans in two batches in my 8-cup food processor.

STEP 3: Roll Flat

Spread the mixture on half of a large sheet of parchment paper. Fold the parchment paper in half. Using a rolling pin, flatten the mixture to about 1/8" thick or less.

STEP 4: Slice

Slice the flattened mixture into strips.

STEP 5: Bake

Slide the parchment onto a baking pan. Bake at 400F for 15 minutes. Baking will help set the mixture so that it doesn't fall apart during the pan frying process.

STEP 6: Pan Fry

Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat until quite hot. Add a bit of oil just to coat the pan. Place the strips and pan fry for 1 minute. Carefully turn over the strips -- using two spatulas, one to flip and another to support on the opposite side, is ideal. Pan fry for an additional 1 minute.

STEP 7: Garnish

There are so many ways to enjoy these meatless 3-bean gyros. You can do the traditional gyro sandwich using pita, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and tzatziki, or dress it up your style!

Comments

[Nivethat]

This looks delicious; I'll definitely try it.

[Uncle Kudzu]

Well, congrats on your win and thanks for sharing! Certainly looks like a winner in the photo!

I've been wondering about a binder for something like this recipe, and the flax seed meal gives me something to think about.

[Chalet Naturalys]

I'm not familiar with gyros, they sound Greek? Love making bean burgers though, so this is a great take on that. I'm guessing with the flaxseed (replacement for egg) they aren't dry?

[Jeromina]

Yes, they are Greek. They have variations in the Mediterranean and Middle East as doner and shawarma. The flaxseed meal is still much drier than using eggs, however, if you add some water to the flaxseed meal, this can alleviate the crumbly texture.

[pianogirl53]

Could these just be baked instead of fried? Or possibly cooked in an air fryer? Or would the taste and texture not be the same?

[Jeromina]

They could be simply baked. As with any bean "meat", like burgers, the texture is crumblier than meat, so it might crumble into the basket of an air fryer.

[touchoflaura]

This looks really tasty - thanks for sharing!

[jessyratfink]

Ohhhh what a cool idea! I love bean burgers and this is such a smart way to do gyro "meat" :D