Sole Food: Pinching pennies post-grad style

Quick & Dirty Gyros

Ingredients:

1. 1 lb. ground beef (lamb is way expensive, and beef tastes better anyway!) = $4
   
2. (1) package of frozen spinach = $1.50
3. 2 tbs. olive oil
4. Minced garlic ~ 3 cloves
5. Lots of spices (to taste): salt, pepper, cayenne/chili powder, cumin, a dash of cinnamon, grill seasoning, oregano *
   
6. Feta cheese = $3

Total cost: ~ $10

* The gyros will taste great with whatever kind of spices you choose to put in, so feel free to experiment! I like to use Garam Masala--it's a $6 spice, but I use it on absolutely everything and a little goes a long way!

Directions:

1. Defrost the spinach (squeeze out all excess liquid) and ground beef -- throw into bowl and blend together using hands.
2. Blend in the cheese, garlic and spices.
   
3. Transfer meat mixture to baking sheet and form into a log--about 3-4 inches wide and 11 inches long.
4. Drizzle log with olive oil and bake in oven (425 degrees) for 30-40 minutes. Note: It'll go fast, so be sure to start checking about 20 minutes in--watch the hot oil!
5. Cut log into 1 inch slices and serve gyros with fries/pita bread/tzaziki, etc.

*Recipe tweaked from original Rachael Ray Gyro Platter
Photo: Melarky.com