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Nova Scotia Donair Recipe

Nova Scotia Donair

Halifax Donair is a true Canadian food treasure and the official food of Halifax. You don’t have to go to Halifax to enjoy one because now you can make it right at home with this recipe

Ingredients
  

Donair Meat:
  • 2½ to 3 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 teaspoons onion powder
  • 4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ¾ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Donair Sauce:
  • 1 can 300 ml / 10 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • ½ tablespoon garlic powder
Toppings and Wrap:
  • Sliced onions
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese optional
  • 10 pita breads

Method
 

  1. Start by making the donair sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, garlic powder, and vinegar until smooth. Let it sit for at least 1 hour in the fridge to allow the flavor to develop. It can also be made the night before.
  2. Next, prepare the meat. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the ground beef with all the spices and breadcrumbs. Mix on medium-low speed for about 10 minutes, or knead by hand for 15 to 20 minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth and sticky in texture.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Shape the meat into a tight log on a clean surface, slamming it onto the counter a few times to remove air pockets. Slide a metal skewer through the center if using, and wrap the meat tightly in foil, sealing both ends. Place the log on a baking sheet and bake for 2 hours.
  4. After baking, remove the foil and return the log to the oven (or use an air fryer) to brown for an additional 20 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Use a sharp knife to shave off thin slices of the meat. Pan-fry the slices in a small amount of oil until golden and crisp on the edges. While frying, place a pita on top of the meat to warm and soften it.
  6. To assemble the donair, lay the warmed pita on foil. Add donair sauce, a layer of meat, diced onions, tomatoes, and more sauce on top. Cheese is optional but adds a delicious twist. Wrap the pita tightly in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes if desired.
  7. Repeat for as many donairs as you want to make.