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.

MEATLESS 3-BEAN GYROS: INGREDIENTS

1 can (15 oz) black beans, well drained

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, well drained

1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans/chickpeas, well drained

1/4 c flaxseed meal + 1/4 c water for binding; if preferred, you may use 2 eggs

2 tbsp dried oregano

2 tsp dried parsley flakes

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp coarse salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Oil for frying

SUPPLIES

Rolling pin

Parchment paper

Spatulas

Non-stick frying pan

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.

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.

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.

Slice the flattened mixture into strips.

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.

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.

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!