COMPLETE GREEK MEAL: GRILLED PORK SKEWERS, GRILLED PITA & HERB YOGURT SAUCE
Kali Orexi (καλή όρεξη)!
Meet Basilicos (aka Vasilica), a Greek basil variety with small leaves and a distinct aroma of basil and anise. It grows as a lush bush, perfect as both a decorative and culinary herb—no wonder it’s called the “king”!
🕒 Prep Time: 2.5 hours (including dough rising and marinating)
🍳 Grill Time: 15-20 min
🍰 Servings: 4
Ingredients
Pork Skewers:
- 300 g pork neck (cubed)
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Chili flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Juice of ½ lemon
Pita Bread:
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 150 ml water
- ½ packet dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- Dried oregano
- Coarse sea salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Herb Yogurt Sauce:
- 200 g Greek yogurt
- 1 sprig dill
- 2 sprigs parsley
- 2 Italian basil leaves (or 20 Greek basil leaves)
- 4-5 mint leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Make the dough:
Combine flour, water, dry yeast, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Knead manually or in a bread machine (program ~1h10min). If kneading by hand, after dough is elastic, let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. - Prepare the pork:
Cut pork into 1.5–2 cm cubes. Thread onto soaked wooden or metal skewers (4 cubes each; 6 skewers total). Sprinkle generously with salt on all sides. Let sit at room temperature while the dough rises to allow meat to marinate with salt. - Second rise for dough:
When dough doubles, gently stretch it and fold into thirds. Repeat stretching and folding from the opposite side. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise again for 1 hour. - Make herb yogurt sauce:
Finely chop dill, parsley, basil, and mint. Mix with Greek yogurt, olive oil, and salt to taste. - Prepare skewers:
Season skewers with black pepper and chili flakes. Brush all sides with olive oil. Let rest until ready to grill. - Shape and grill pita:
Flour work surface lightly. Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each into a thin (2–3 mm) round. Prick all over gently with a fork without piercing through.
Heat a grill pan on high for 5 minutes. Cook each pita on medium heat for about 2.5 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
Brush cooked side immediately with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano and coarse salt. Keep covered with foil and warm. - Grill pork skewers:
Reheat grill pan on high for 2 minutes, then lower heat to medium-low. Place skewers spaced apart, grilling 4–4.5 minutes per side. Grill in batches if needed. - Finish and serve:
Place grilled skewers on a large platter. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle oregano. Cover with foil and rest 5 minutes. Serve immediately alongside warm pita and herb yogurt sauce.
💡 Tips
- Basilicos offers a unique anise-like aroma—substitute with Italian basil if unavailable.
- Let meat marinate briefly with salt at room temperature for enhanced flavor.
- Pricking pita prevents bubbling and ensures even cooking.
- Resting skewers after grilling locks in juices and flavor.
🍽️ Perfect For
- Authentic Greek meals at home
- Family-style Mediterranean dinners
- Flavorful outdoor grilling sessions
📝 Final Thoughts
This Greek-inspired platter combines juicy, herb-seasoned pork skewers, fluffy grilled pita, and a vibrant herb yogurt sauce for a meal bursting with freshness and tradition. A feast that invites sharing and celebration.