The Original Donair From the East Coast of Canada  Recipe
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The Original Donair From the East Coast of Canada

By: Del 
"In the early 70's, a Greek restaurateur in the city of Halifax introduced the Donair. Within a few short years, virtually all pizzerias had added their version of the dish to their menus. Not to be confused with gyros, the Donair has a vastly different flavor. Originally the dish was made with ground lamb, but this proved too costly and ground beef was later substituted. Technically, this resulted in an aberration of sorts, as the final product was not what the originator had intended. What resulted, however, is the legendary East Coast Donair."

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 4.6 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (15)

What to Drink?

Beer Beer
Prep Time:
10 Min
Cook Time:
1 Hr 10 Min
Ready In:
9 Hrs 50 Min

Servings  (Help)

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Original Recipe Yield 6 servings
 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  •  
  • 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar, or to taste
  •  
  • 6 large pita bread rounds

Directions

  1. In a bowl, thoroughly mix together the ground beef, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Pack the spiced meat into a thick loaf shape, cover, and let rest in the refrigerator overnight.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  3. Place the meat loaf onto a baking sheet, and bake for 1 hour, flipping the loaf over halfway through cooking. Allow the meat loaf to cool so it holds together for slicing.
  4. Mix together the evaporated milk and white sugar in a bowl, stirring until the sugar is dissolved, and then add the vinegar by teaspoons, mixing together after each addition, to taste. Refrigerate the sauce until serving.
  5. Slice the meat loaf into 1/4-inch thick slices, and brown the slices in a skillet over medium heat until both sides are brown and crisp, about 5 minutes per side.
  6. Sprinkle the pita bread rounds with a little water, and press each onto a heated skillet to warm up.
  7. To serve, place several slices of meat into a warmed pita bread, and spoon about 2 tablespoons of sauce over the meat. Roll the pita bread into a cone shape, wrap in aluminum foil to keep the sauce from dripping out, and serve.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 450 | Total Fat: 14.3g | Cholesterol: 64mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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 view all reviews »  

The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.6 star rating.
Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2009 by luvtocook   view full review
I am a Maritimer and this is almost identical to my recipe but I mix in 1 tsp of garlic powder...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.6 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 6, 2009 by Judith   view full review
I thought this was pretty good although a bit hot for our taste. I was able to let the...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.6 star rating.
Reviewed on Mar. 7, 2011 by Jim   view full review
I have been using this very same recipe for years now, with the addition of 1 tsp of garlic. ...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.6 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 18, 2009 by nicki   view full review
Just like the ones at Big Red's in Chester NS. Thanks for taking me home for awhile! ...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.6 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 4, 2011 by muslim mom   view full review
I've never been to Halifax, but I have to say, this was mighty tasty. I was craving Turkish...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.6 star rating.
Reviewed on Jun. 20, 2011 by Lenore   view full review
I made these donairs for supper the other night and my husband can't stop raving about them! ...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.6 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2011 by Beetle   view full review
This was amazing brought me back to navy days in Halifax. It is absolutely the east coast donair
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.6 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2011 by Beeker   view full review
Really good recipe, I add 1 tsp of cumin and an extra tsp of garlic powder to the meat and...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.6 star rating.
Reviewed on May 29, 2011 by Cicero   view full review
My husband is from just outside of Halifax, and he thought 'we are on to something good'. ...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.6 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 9, 2011 by Krisstah   view full review
Tried this and Loved it!! Used less cyanne pepper because i didnt want it to be too spicy and...

 

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