Feta and Herb Quick Bread

 

  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 150 grams (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3 large organic eggs
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
  • 150 grams (1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons) plain unsweetened yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 200 grams (7 ounces) sheep’s milk feta cheese (substitute goat cheese)
  • 1 bunch fresh herb leaves (flat-leaf parsley, basil, chervil, chives, mint, preferably a mix), about 20 grams or 1 cup loosely packed, roughly chopped

 

  • Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
  • Butter a 24-by-12-cm (9-by-5-inch) loaf pan and sprinkle half the sesame seeds onto the bottom and sides, shaking the pan to coat.
  • Combine the flour and baking powder in a bowl.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, yogurt, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cheese and herbs.
  • Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Don’t overmix the batter, it’s okay if a few lumps remain.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, level the surface with a spatula, and sprinkle with the remaining sesame seeds.
  • Put into the oven to bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the loaf is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes and run a knife around the pan to loosen. Unmold and transfer to a rack to cool.
  • Cut in slices or cubes just before serving, slightly warm or at room temperature.

 

 

Gyro Chicken Salad

 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot smoked paprika, plus more to taste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)

 

  • 2 cups (554 grams) plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • 1 hothouse, English or seedless cucumber, unpeeled (about 1 pound)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • About 1 pound small-medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 hothouse, English or seedless cucumber, chopped
  • 4 large pitas (intending 1/2 per person) or more as needed