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Homemade Halifax Donair

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  • Author: Mari
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 donairs 1x
  • Category: Main Course / Street Food
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Canadian
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A Halifax-style donair featuring spiced beef, soft pita, and a signature sweet garlic sauce, topped with fresh vegetables. A true East Coast favorite!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Donair Meat:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme

For the Donair Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Assembly:

  • 4 pita breads
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • In a bowl, mix ground beef with all spices. Knead for 5 minutes until very smooth.
    • Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet.
  2. Bake:

    • Bake for 1 hour, turning halfway through.
    • Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. Make the Sauce:

    • In a bowl, whisk condensed milk, vinegar, and garlic powder until thick.
  4. Assemble the Donair:

    • Warm pita bread and layer with donair meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion.
    • Drizzle with donair sauce.
  5. Serve and Enjoy!


Notes

  • For a more authentic texture, press the cooked donair meat onto a hot pan for 30 seconds per side to crisp the edges.
  • Substitute beef with ground lamb or chicken for a variation.
  • Serve with extra sauce on the side—it’s the star of the dish!
  • Store leftover meat in an airtight container for up to 3 days.