Mediterranean BBQ
While living in Germany we were used to having Doner Kebab and Gyros fast food places everywhere. I wanted to capture a little of the spices and smells after returning to the US. This is prepared in the crock pot and is super easy to fix well ahead of time. This is a perfect meal for BBQs and all around entertaining.
I hope you enjoy my version of this delicious sandwich for your 4th of July BBQs!
Special NOTE: this dish requires marinating time. 1 Hour is good, overnight is even better! ;)
This is what you need:
Marinating time: one hour to one day
1 Tablespoon oregano
1 Tablespoon parsley
1 Tablespoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon thyme
2 Tablespoons mint
1 teaspoon crushed lavender leaves (optional)
Garlic to taste, fresh or dried
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons salt
10 Tablespoons olive oil
1 onions finely sliced
4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into little strips
Frying pan
Crock pot
This is how you do it:
Mix all the seasoning, onions and oil, mixing well, then set aside.
Slice the meat as thin as possible. ** If you place the meat in the freezer for a few hours, it won't be frozen but it will be easier to slice thin.
Combine the meat and spice mixture, mixing thoroughly. Let the mixture marinate for 1 hour or even better, overnight
Next day, separate the meat from the marinade. Don't throw away the marinade, you'll need it for step 6.
In a frying pan, roast the pork in small batches over high heat until it is lightly browned. Then place into the crock pot. Repeat this step until all the meat is browned and nestled comfortably in the crock pot.
Add the marinade from step 4 to the pan and let it BOIL for approximately 1 minute. This will loosen up all of those delicious roasting aromas and make your neighbors jealous. Pour this mixture over the browned meat in the crockpot.
Place your lid on the crockpot and set the temperature on high. Let it do it's magic for approximately 1 hour. Don't sweat it if it is a little longer or shorter but do ensure you stir occasionally.
After the first hour has passed, reduce the crock pot to low setting and let it go for at least another 2 hours. ** There is really no way you can mess this up..... the longer you cook it in the crock pot, the more tender the meat will get.
Serve on a bun, pita bread, wrap or on a plate with salad. If you're not going for healthy, then you can do what we had in Germany, called a Doner teller. This is one glorious invention from our friends in Turkey where they serve the meat over french fries. Yes, over french fries. It's a hot gooey mess loaded with calories and goodness.
Happy BBQ-ing!
