Craving Halifax's Finest? Learn to Make Classic Donair at Home from Scratch!

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often cheaper.

donair sauce

🥗Healthier: yogurt sauce

💰Cheaper: mayo-based sauce

Yogurt sauce provides a lighter option, while mayo-based is more economical.

Weigh out 1 lb of ground beef, 0.5 lb of ground pork, and 0.5 lb of ground lamb.

Add the meats to a mixing bowl.

Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tsp oregano, 3 tsp paprika, 2 tsp onion powder, 3 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt to the bowl.

Optionally add 0.5 tsp coriander and 0.5 tsp thyme.

Mix the ingredients using a mixer with a paddle for about 3-4 minutes until well combined.

Check the texture with your hands; it should be packed like Play-Doh, not loose or crumbly.

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.

Pack the meat mixture tightly into the loaf pan, ensuring there are no air pockets.

Place the loaf pan into a larger pan and add water until it reaches halfway up the loaf pan, creating a water bath.

Cook in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150-160°F.

Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool slightly before taking it out of the pan.

Place the meat on a cooling rack to cool down further before slicing.

While the meat is cooking, prepare the donair sauce by adding 1 can of sweetened condensed milk to a bowl.

Add 1 tsp garlic powder (or more to taste) and 3.5 tsp vinegar, adjusting to your desired tanginess.

Mix the sauce with a whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.

Grate mozzarella cheese and dice a tomato and an onion for toppings.

Once the donair meat has cooled enough, slice it thinly.

Optionally, crisp the sliced meat in a hot frying pan.

Steam the pita bread over boiling water.

Assemble the donair by placing the meat in the pita, adding cheese, diced onions, and tomatoes, and drizzling with donair sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens