Halifax Donair Recipe

Recipe

Halifax Donair Recipe

Savory and Spiced: Homemade Halifax Donair Delight

Indulge in the flavors of Canadian cuisine with this authentic Halifax Donair recipe. Originating from Halifax, Nova Scotia, this dish is a beloved street food that combines tender spiced meat, a creamy garlic sauce, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a warm pita bread.

Jan Dec

15 minutes

1 hour

1 hour and 15 minutes

4 servings

Easy

Omnivore, Low-carb, High-protein, Keto-friendly, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free pita bread)

Dairy (if using creamy garlic sauce), Gluten (if using regular pita bread)

Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Nut-free

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
  • Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
  • Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 4g)
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. 2.
    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the spices are evenly incorporated into the meat.
  3. 3.
    Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a baking sheet.
  4. 4.
    Bake the meat in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.
  5. 5.
    Remove the meat from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, thinly slice the meat.
  6. 6.
    Warm the pita breads in a toaster or oven.
  7. 7.
    In each warmed pita bread, place a generous amount of the sliced meat, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and shredded lettuce (if desired).
  8. 8.
    Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the filling.
  9. 9.
    Fold the pita bread in half and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Ground beef or lamb — Make sure to use lean ground meat to reduce excess fat in the final dish.
  • Creamy garlic sauce — You can make your own creamy garlic sauce by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the garlic and lemon juice to your taste preference.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the meat mixture.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic powder and onion powder.
  • Serve the Halifax Donair with a side of crispy French fries for a complete Canadian experience.
  • You can substitute the pita bread with naan bread or tortillas if desired.
  • To enhance the flavors, marinate the meat overnight in the spice mixture before cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Halifax Donair immediately after assembling to ensure the pita bread stays warm and the flavors are at their best. It is traditionally eaten with hands, so provide napkins for a messy but delicious experience.

Presentation advice

To present the Halifax Donair, you can wrap each filled pita bread in parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving one end open for easy eating. This will help keep the filling intact and make it easier to handle.