Crafting the Perfect Donair Meat

The foundation of a delicious Donair lies in its meat. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 to 3.5 pounds of lean ground beef (mix in some venison burger if available)
• 2 tsp flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1.5 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 tsp Za’atar Spice (Italian seasoning will substitute)
• 4 tsp paprika (not smoked)
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 4 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 tsp black pepper
• 3 tsp salt

Start by combining all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use a food processor or mixer to blend the mixture until the texture becomes homogeneous, losing its graininess. Form the mixture into loaves and place them on a wire rack over a pan to keep the drippings off the loaves. Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F or higher. Allow the meat to cool for 1-2 hours before slicing it into thin strips.

TIP:  For an even finer and more homogeneous texture, run the ground meat through a grinder a couple of extra times before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure your Donair meat has the ideal consistency for a truly authentic experience.

I recommend a rotisserie like this one:

Two Delicious Donair Sauce Variations

A perfect Donair needs an equally perfect sauce. Here are two variations to suit your preferences:

Donair Sauce 1: Unsweetened Evaporated Milk

• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 4 teaspoons white vinegar, or as needed

Donair Sauce 2: Sweetened Evaporated Milk

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
• 4 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tsp garlic powder

For either variation, mix all ingredients except the vinegar in a bowl. Gradually add the vinegar while whisking until the sauce reaches a thick, spoonable consistency. Be careful not to over-whisk.

Assembling Your Donair

Now comes the moment of truth – putting it all together. You’ll need the following:

• Diced tomatoes and onions
• Pita bread

Fry the sliced Donair meat in a hot, oiled pan until becoming crispy. Set aside and cover with foil to keep warm. Lightly wet a pita bread and fry it in the same pan for about 30 seconds per side. Place the pita on a plate, layer it with meat, diced onions, and tomatoes, and generously drizzle with Donair sauce. Fold and enjoy!

In this article, I’ve shared with you the secrets to making a mouthwatering Donair, a Nova Scotia favourite. So give it a try and experience the flavours of the Maritimes right in your own kitchen.