How to make The Famous Atlantic Canadian "Halifax Donair"

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 300°F

Step 2

Using a stand mixer (if you don’t have a stand mixer see my note below), combine all ingredients and mix well for 10 minutes on medium speed with the paddle attachment.

Step 3

Once everything is very well combined, form the meat into a tightly packed oval loaf.

Step 4

Place the loaf foil-lined baking sheet and cook in the oven for 2 1/2 hours.

Step 5

Allow the meat to rest and cool down to room temperature. Wrap in plastic wrap and allow to cool in the fridge overnight. NOTE: If you can’t wait overnight, see my note at the bottom.

Step 6

The following day after the donair meat has chilled, cut the loaf into thin slices. I emphasize – thin slices are best.

Step 7

When you’re ready to make the donair wrap, move on to the next section. You’re ready, aren’t you… I know you are!

Step 8

Before starting, make sure you have all your toppings ready to go. Also, make sure you tear off a big sheet of aluminum foil for each of the donairs you plan to make. Make sure they’re big enough to hold everything!

Step 9

Take a portion of donair meat and heat the slices up in a frying pan with a tiny bit of oil on low heat. You just want to heat the slices up and not brown them too much – just a little darkened is nice.

Step 10

I know this sounds like a weird step, but it’s necessary to make sure the pita is soft enough to wrap around all that meat – plus, you get a bit more of that donair flavour where it’s good!

Step 11

Take the pita and place it on a square of aluminum foil.

Step 12

Top the pita with donair meat and remaining toppings as desired.

Step 13

Top with donair sauce. Click here for my Donair Sauce recipe

Step 14

Fold the pita around the meat and roll it up (like a giant taco, then fold over). Wrap the aluminum foil around the donair and place it into the oven for about 10 minutes to warm. (I usually set the oven to 350°F to warm them – this is great when you have cheese in them – so melty so good!)

Step 15

Repeat these steps for however many donairs you’re making.

Step 16

Peel the aluminum foil away as you eat the donair. Make sure you have lots of napkins in hand – donairs are famously messy and delicious! Proper donair etiquette calls for using your hands.