Dash Riprock’s Real Halifax Donair
Overview
Immerse yourself in the delightful flavors of Halifax with this authentic recipe for Donair, lovingly crafted by Dash Riprock, an experienced cook with a passion for this iconic dish. Renowned for its unique flavor and texture, this recipe has earned rave reviews, with many declaring it the best Donair they have ever tasted. Perfect for meat lovers, this Donair combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with a creamy, tangy sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread, creating an experience that’s truly irresistible.
Recipe Details
| Category | Meat |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (43 reviews) |
| Calories per serving | 318.1 |
Keywords
Greek, European, Kosher, Spicy, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 318.1 |
| Total Fat | 20.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 86.8 mg |
| Sodium | 699.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7.9 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 5.5 g |
| Protein | 24.6 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | pound ground beef |
| 1 | teaspoon salt |
| 1 | tablespoon flour |
| 1 | teaspoon ground oregano |
| ½ | teaspoon garlic powder |
| ½ | teaspoon onion powder |
| ½ | teaspoon pepper |
| ½ | teaspoon cayenne pepper |
| ¼ | teaspoon sugar |
| 1 (398 g) | can of evaporated milk |
| 175 ml | white vinegar |
| 2 | large pita breads |
| 4-6 | optional toppings (onions, tomatoes) |
Instructions
Preparing the Donair Meat
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Mix the Spices and Meat: Begin by combining all the dry spices in a bowl, ensuring they are mixed thoroughly. Add this spice mixture to the ground beef gradually, working it through the meat with your hands. It’s crucial to incorporate the spices evenly to achieve a well-seasoned flavor.
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Knead the Mixture: Once the spices are integrated, lift the meat and firmly throw it down into a steel mixing bowl. Repeat this action 20-30 times, kneading the meat gently after each throw. This vigorous process helps develop the texture characteristic of traditional Donair meat, giving it that sought-after firmness.
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Shape the Meat Loaves: After completing the kneading, divide the meat mixture into loaves, each weighing approximately 1 pound. Shape each loaf into a form resembling a hamburger but elongated. This shaping is essential for even cooking.
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Bake the Meat: Place the formed loaves onto a broiler pan or, if one isn’t available, a cookie sheet will suffice. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the loaves for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Be sure to flip the loaves halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
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Cool the Meat: After baking, allow the meat to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This cooling process helps the juices redistribute, making for a moist and flavorful Donair filling.
Crafting the Donair Sauce
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Prepare the Sauce Base: Open the can of evaporated milk and pour it into a steel or glass bowl (avoid plastic containers, as the sauce may not thicken properly).
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Combine Ingredients: Add the sugar and garlic powder to the milk, mixing them together until well combined.
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Incorporate the Vinegar: Slowly add the white vinegar to the mixture, stirring gently to avoid incorporating too much air. This slow addition is crucial for achieving the desired thickness of the sauce.
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Chill the Sauce: Once fully combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Assembling the Donairs
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Heat the Meat: When you’re ready to enjoy your Donair, heat the sliced meat in a frying pan over medium heat until it is lightly crispy. The crispy edges add an appealing texture to the dish.
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Prepare the Pita: Lightly wet a pita bread and place it into a lightly oiled pan. Cook on medium heat until the pita becomes soft and warm, which typically takes just a minute or two.
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Assemble the Donair: Once the pita is ready, spread a light coat of the prepared sauce over one side.
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Add the Filling: Layer approximately 100g of the warmed meat onto the sauced pita. Drizzle additional Donair sauce over the meat to enhance the flavor further.
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Top with Vegetables: Finish the assembly by adding chopped onions and tomatoes as desired, lending a fresh crunch and color to your Donair.
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Serve and Enjoy: Fold the pita around the fillings, and your homemade Halifax Donair is ready to be savored. Bon appétit!
Storage Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover meat, do not worry! The leftover Donair meat can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for future use. However, keep in mind that the Donair sauce has a shorter shelf life and will only remain fresh for a couple of days once refrigerated.
This recipe embodies the spirit of Halifax’s culinary culture, inviting you to enjoy a beloved local dish that’s easy to make at home. With its robust flavors and satisfying texture, Dash Riprock’s Real Halifax Donair is bound to become a favorite in your household, bringing joy to your dinner table with every bite.
