For the Spiced Chickpeas:

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Chickpeas are the star of our vegetarian gyros, providing a hearty, protein-rich base. Rinsing them removes excess sodium and any starchy liquid, ensuring a cleaner flavor. You can also cook your own chickpeas from dried, which will offer an even fresher taste and texture. If using dried chickpeas, you’ll need about ¾ cup of dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and then cooked until tender.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is essential for both flavor and texture. It helps to sauté the chickpeas and spices beautifully, creating a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its richer flavor and health benefits. You could also use avocado oil or another neutral oil if preferred, but olive oil adds a distinct Mediterranean touch that complements the gyro flavors perfectly.
• 1 large onion, finely chopped: Onion forms the aromatic base of our chickpea mixture. As it cooks, it releases its sweetness and savory notes, building a foundation of flavor. Yellow or white onions are ideal for this recipe due to their balanced flavor profile. Finely chopping ensures even cooking and blends seamlessly into the chickpea mixture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse, adding pungent and savory notes that enhance the overall taste of the gyros. Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh garlic will provide a more vibrant and authentic taste.
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika is the secret ingredient that elevates these gyros to the next level. It imparts a deep, smoky flavor that mimics the characteristic taste of traditional gyro meat. It adds warmth and complexity that regular paprika simply cannot replicate. If you can’t find smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but the smoky element will be missed. Consider adding a tiny touch of liquid smoke (use sparingly, as it’s potent) if you want to try and recreate that smoky note without smoked paprika.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin brings an earthy, warm, and slightly citrusy flavor that is quintessential in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It complements the smoked paprika beautifully and adds depth to the spice blend. Freshly ground cumin seeds, toasted lightly before grinding, will offer the most intense flavor, but pre-ground cumin works just as well for convenience.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb that provides a slightly peppery and aromatic flavor. It adds a touch of herbaceousness that balances the smoky and earthy spices. Dried oregano is readily available and works perfectly in this recipe. If you have fresh oregano, you can use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano, added towards the end of cooking to preserve its fresh flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients. It balances the sweetness of the onion and the spiciness of the paprika, bringing all the flavors together. Adjust the amount of salt to your preference. Sea salt or kosher salt are excellent choices.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of subtle heat and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter and more nuanced flavor.

For the Creamy Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt forms the creamy base of our delicious sauce. It provides a tangy and refreshing counterpoint to the spiced chickpeas. Full-fat Greek yogurt will offer the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but you can use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Make sure to use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the yogurt sauce, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh juice will always be superior.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Just like in the chickpea mixture, garlic adds a pungent and savory note to the yogurt sauce, complementing the other flavors and adding depth. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill: Fresh dill brings a bright, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy flavor to the yogurt sauce. It adds a refreshing element that pairs perfectly with the creamy yogurt and spiced chickpeas. Fresh dill is crucial for this sauce. Dried dill will not provide the same fresh and vibrant flavor. If you absolutely cannot find fresh dill, you might consider substituting with fresh mint or parsley for a different, but still fresh, herbaceous note.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Salt and pepper are used to season the yogurt sauce and balance the flavors. Adjust the amounts to your preference.