Monday 19 January 2015

Make Your Own Donairs

Donairs have to be one of my hubby's favorite treats. I don't know why but I have always been a bit leary about donair meat. I mean, what kind of meat is it? And how long has it been around? Well this recipe puts all my concerned questions to rest and I promise you it is just as good, if not better, than any restaurant or food truck donair. A close friend of mine has passed this recipe onto me. We both choose to use the food processor method and it worked out perfectly. (See below for instructions)

For those that are wondering what a donair is, they are made in the Maritimes and are served on a pita/flat bread with meat, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and sweet sauce. They are a very, very yummy treat!

Ingredients:
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground oregano
1 tsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 pound ground beef

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F (175C). In a cup or small bowl, mix the salt, oregano, flour, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Place ground beef in a large bowl and use your hands to blend in the spice mixture. If you want the smooth texture of meat that you see in a real Donair shop, you must do this in a steel mixing bowl and on a sturdy surface. Pick up the meat, and throw it down with force about 20 times, kneading it after each throw. This also helps the meat hold together better when you slice it. (You can also use a food processor or sturdy stand mixer)

Form the meat into a loaf, and place it on a broiler pan. If you do not have one, a baking sheet will do.

Bake for 1 hour  and 15 minutes in preheated oven, turning the loaf over about half way through. This will ensure even cooking. Refrigerate the meat overnight before slicing. (or make in the early morning and refrigerate until dinner that evening). When you are ready to use, slice the meat very thinly and reheat in a frying pan with a little oil.

Makes enough for 5-6 pitas.

Donair Sauce

Ingredients:

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

Stir the milk and garlic powder together. Add vinegar then stir the sauce for a couple of minutes in order for the vinegar and milk to mix properly. Leave it sit for a few minutes then refrigerate. The donair sauce will last a few weeks in the refrigerator and I find that it is best served cold.

Doubles easily by using the whole can of condensed milk and doubling the other ingredients.

Tip: This meat and sauce would also work perfectly for a DIY donair pizza.

By the way, this recipe won over "the" donair connoisseur aka hubby.
Enjoy!



2 comments:

  1. Oh wow! They look divineeeee! I could so eat one of these for dinner tonight :D xx

    Gemma | missmakeupmagpie.com

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    Replies
    1. They are super yummy, trust me you would love them! Thanks for your comment Gemma!

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