Greek Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki

Greek Pork Souvlaki

1 1/2 pounds of pork loin or tenderloin

1 lemon - juice and zest

1/8 cup olive oil

4 cloves of garlic mashed and minced fine

1 tb dried oregano or fresh oregano chopped fine

1 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme chopped fine

1 chopped jalapeno or a scant 1/8 tsp cayenne

1/4 tsp cinnamon 

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Cut pork into one inch cubes. Blend remainder ingredients in a bowl whisk till blended, then add the cut pork pieces. Marinate the meat for at least 6 hours or overnight in a covered non reactive dish. One by one skewer pork chunks onto skewers. If using wood skewers, soak them 30 minutes in water so they don't catch on fire. Let pork come to room temperature before cooking.

Grill on BBQ grill for about 10 minutes, turning once, till just barely pink inside or test with an instant thermometer to 145 F internal temperature and let rest 10 minutes (if you can). Serve with the tzatziki dipping sauce (below). Souvlaki is often served in pita bread spread with the tzatziki sauce. You may substitute chicken for pork. These can also be baked in the oven on a rack at broiled six inches from heating element for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once. Watch closely for using either method since these cook quickly. Next time I may intersperse red and yellow pepper pieces between the meat for culinary attractiveness.

Tzatziki

1 English cucumber

1 1/2 cup Greek whole fat yogurt

1 tb dried dill or fresh dill chopped fine

1 tsp vinegar

2 cloves garlic smashed and minced fine or 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Peel and grate the English cucumber (any cucumber will work). Drain cucumber in cheese cloth placed in a sieve or place grated cucumber in a dish towel and twist to squeeze out excess moisture. Don't skip this step because cucumbers are full of water and you don't want your tzatziki to be watery.

Place remaining ingredients in a bowl along with drained cucumber and fold gently with the yogurt. If using fresh garlic refrigerate overnight; if using garlic powder refrigerate till ready to use. Tzatziki is also delicious used as a dip with chips, vegetables or as a salad dressing. It's very refreshing on a hot summer day.

Be Safe, Be Well