Description
This Greek Feta and Melty Gouda Cheesesteak is a flavorful twist on the classic sandwich, featuring tender shaved lamb shoulder cooked with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, topped with creamy feta and melty Gouda cheese, and finished with a refreshing tzatziki cucumber-tomato salad. Perfectly balanced between savory and fresh, it makes a delicious and unique sandwich option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 pound shaved lamb shoulder (or skirt steak)
- 2 Persian cucumbers, cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Breads and Cheeses
- 4 sandwich rolls or fresh pita, split
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 slices Gouda cheese
Sauces
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for melting the cheese later in the baking step.
- Sauté the Onion: Melt the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent.
- Cook the Meat with Spices: Add the shaved lamb shoulder or skirt steak to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through. Stir in the fresh parsley, oregano, and dill, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Split your sandwich rolls or pita breads. Fill each with the cooked meat mixture, then top each filled bread with crumbled feta and a slice of Gouda cheese.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Arrange the sandwiches on a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Prepare the Feta Tzatziki: Combine the remaining crumbled feta cheese into the tzatziki sauce, mixing thoroughly to create a flavorful spread.
- Toss the Salad: In a bowl, toss the cubed cucumbers and chopped cherry tomatoes with a pinch of oregano and dill for added flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Add fresh lettuce to each sandwich. Spoon over the feta-infused tzatziki sauce, then top with the cucumber and tomato salad. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze fresh juice on top. Enjoy with oregano fries or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute lamb shoulder with skirt steak or another thinly sliced beef cut.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and dill add authentic Mediterranean flavor; dried herbs can be used but fresh is recommended.
- For a crispier sandwich, toast the bread lightly before filling.
- Serve with oregano fries or a light salad for a complete meal.
