**Discover the Delectable World of Gyros, Donair, and Donar: A Culinary Journey Through Three Savory Delights**
Embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure as we delve into the realm of gyros, donair, and donar, three dishes that have captivated taste buds across the globe. From the succulent and flavorful gyro, a staple of Greek cuisine, to the unique and delectable donair, a Canadian delicacy, and the aromatic Turkish donar, this article presents a trio of recipes that capture the essence of each dish.
**1. The Classic Greek Gyro: A Symphony of Flavors**
Our gyro recipe takes you on a journey to the heart of Greece, where tender slices of marinated chicken or lamb are expertly grilled, enveloped in warm pita bread, and adorned with a vibrant array of toppings. Garlic sauce, tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions come together to create a symphony of flavors, while crisp french fries add a delightful textural contrast.
**2. Donair: A Canadian Icon with a Twist**
Next, we venture to Canada to explore the beloved donair, a dish that has become an integral part of the country's culinary landscape. Our recipe showcases a unique blend of ground beef and lamb, seasoned to perfection and roasted on a vertical spit. The thinly sliced meat is tucked into pita bread, drizzled with a sweet and tangy donair sauce, and topped with fresh vegetables.
**3. The Turkish Donar: A Culinary Legacy**
Finally, we pay homage to the Turkish donar, a dish with a rich history and global recognition. This recipe calls for tender slices of lamb or beef, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and slow-cooked on a vertical spit. The succulent meat is paired with soft pita bread, a vibrant salad, and a creamy garlic sauce, resulting in a harmonious culinary experience.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a culinary novice, these recipes offer a delectable journey through the world of gyros, donair, and donar. From the classic Greek gyro to the unique Canadian donair and the authentic Turkish donar, each dish promises a satisfying and memorable culinary adventure. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your palate, and embark on a taste sensation like no other.
DASH'S DONAIR
For the true donair fan. This recipe is tried and tested. If you enjoy Halifax donairs, then you'll love this recipe. When making this recipe, use only the finest spices available; they make a huge difference.
Provided by DASHRIPROCK
Categories Main Dish Recipes Sandwich Recipes Gyro Recipes
Time 1h45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a cup or small bowl, mix together the salt, oregano, flour, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Place the ground beef in a large bowl, and use your hands to blend in the spice mixture. If you want the smooth texture of meat that you see in a real donair shop, you must do this in a steel mixing bowl and on a sturdy surface. Pick up the meat, and throw it down with force about 20 times, kneading it after each throw. This also helps the meat hold together better when you slice it.
- Form the meat into a loaf, and place it on a broiler pan. If you do not have one, a baking sheet will do.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven, turning the loaf over about half way through. This will ensure even cooking. Serve, or allow the meat to chill before slicing and reheating.
- To make the donair sauce, mix together the evaporated milk, sugar and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in the white vinegar, adding 1 teaspoon at a time, until thickened to your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 488.8 calories, Carbohydrate 49.5 g, Cholesterol 98.4 mg, Fat 20.9 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 747.7 mg, Sugar 47.5 g
THE ORIGINAL DONAIR FROM THE EAST COAST OF CANADA
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.
Provided by Del
Categories Main Dish Recipes Sandwich Recipes Gyro Recipes
Time 9h50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 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.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle the pita bread rounds with a little water, and press each onto a heated skillet to warm up.
- 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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 449.8 calories, Carbohydrate 57.3 g, Cholesterol 63.7 mg, Fat 14.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 22.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 813.6 mg, Sugar 23.5 g
HOMEMADE DONAIRS (GYROS)
These homemade donairs are so easy to make and the whole family will love them! Serve them with flatbread and lots of toppings for a fun and easy meal!
Provided by Bake.Eat.Repeat.
Categories Main Course
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Combine the ground beef or lamb, ground turkey, flour, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and salt in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher until very well combined.
- You want it to be a very uniform mixture, much more processed than for something like meatballs. You can even use a food processor if you like, but I usually just mash it well.
- Dump the meat mixture onto a broiler pan or rimmed cookie sheet, and form it into a long, wide loaf shape, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches tall.
- Place in the oven and bake for 55 minutes or until cooked through. The internal temperature should be 180 degrees F.
- While the meat is cooking, whisk together the mayo, milk, vinegar and sugar for the donair sauce and put it in the refrigerator until the meat is ready.
- Prepare the toppings for the donairs.
- When the meat is cooked, slice it into thin slices (a long serrated knife works best for this) and serve with the bread, toppings and sauces.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Carbohydrate 5.2 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 111 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 12.3 grams fat, Fiber 0.3 grams fiber, Protein 33.2 grams protein, SaturatedFat 2.8 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 443 milligrams sodium, Sugar 2.4 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams unsaturated fat
GYROS QUICK AND EASY (DONAIR / DONAR)
***Update: There was a typo with the salt amount and it has now been changed to 2 teaspoons. Also, based on the review, I would like to clarify that for the strips, you compress the meat with your hands like you would make a burger, but shape it a bit thinner and strip shaped.*** This is very flavorful and quick since you just pan fry thin strips of the ground meat. Feel free to experiment with the toppings... For greek go with tzatziki, tomato and onion (even french fries are great in this combo). For donar (like you get in Europe) top with aioli and harissa with coleslaw, onion and tomato. For donair (like you get in Canada) top with donair sauce, tomato and onion. This makes a good amount so feel free to form and freeze a portion of the meat for a super quick meal or half the recipe. Please note that I have not included recipes for the different sauces, but there are many recipes available on Zaar. Update: I've added a recipe for a quick version of the aioli and harissa sauces that usually accompany the donar kebabs in Europe; Recipe #292170 .
Provided by C. Taylor
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and knead for about 10 minute Take the meat and slam it onto the counter (or in the bowl) about 20 times.
- Form the meat into strips that are flat and about 4 inches long by 2 inches wide. Cook on high for just a few minutes on each side, making sure to cook the meat through.
- Meanwhile for the pitas, take a pita and dip it in water quickly and then spray or brush with a little olive oil. Place in a pan over medium high heat, till each side has been toasted and heated through.
- For assembly, take a toasted pita and place about 3 or 4 strips of meat and then top with desired toppings. Wrap bottom portion with a bit of parchment paper or aluminum foil to make eating easier.
DONAIR
Donairs are a delicacy prevalent in the Canadian east coast, and certainly centered on the City of Halifax, they are very simple to prepare and very delicious. Make a double batch of the meatloaf, and freeze the second loaf for later, in fact the second loaf will be better! When cold you can slice it thinner and fry up the slices in the frying pan as you need them.
Provided by SABMAN
Categories Main Dish Recipes Sandwich Recipes Gyro Recipes
Time 4h10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Press into an 8x8 inch square baking dish, or casserole dish.
- Bake for 2 hours in the preheated oven, until cooked through. Set aside to cool for at least 1/2 hour, the meat will slice even better if it is actually chilled completely.
- To make the sauce, combine the evaporated milk, sugar and vinegar in a jar with a lid, and shake well to blend. Set aside to thicken.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and slice off thin slices of the meat loaf. Fry the slices briefly in the hot skillet, until browned on each side. Remove from the skillet, and keep warm. Flick a little water onto the hot skillet, and brown the pita breads a little on each side to soften.
- Load up one side of pitas with meat slices, tomatoes and onion. Spoon sauce over the filling, and fold pitas in half, then towards the center. Voila, you're eating!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 517.4 calories, Carbohydrate 67.4 g, Cholesterol 70.1 mg, Fat 14.6 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 28.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 659.4 mg, Sugar 28.4 g
TRADITIONAL GYROS
I absolutely love being able to make my own gyros at home! You have to try them!
Provided by BetterCookingForSingleFathers
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Greek
Time 3h15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Place onion in a food processor and blend until finely chopped. Transfer onion to a piece of cheese cloth and squeeze out the liquid. Place onion in a large bowl.
- Mix lamb, beef, garlic, oregano, cumin, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt with the onion using your hands until well mixed. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors blend, about 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Place meat mixture in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped and tacky, about 1 minute. Pack meat mixture into a 7x4-inch loaf pan, ensuring there are no air pockets. Place loaf pan into a roasting pan and pour enough boiling water around the loaf pan to reach halfway up the sides.
- Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, 45 to 60 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Pour off any accumulated fat and cool slightly.
- Thinly slice the gyro meat mixture.
- Spread 1 tablespoon hummus onto each pita bread; top each with gyro meat mixture, lettuce, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 424.8 calories, Carbohydrate 42.8 g, Cholesterol 60.6 mg, Fat 40.8 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 22.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 620 mg, Sugar 4.1 g
MARITIME DONAIR SAUCE
Donair sauce done just like in Atlantic Canada. Long live Greco!
Provided by MATHIEUDAIGLE
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes
Time 1h5m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Whisk together milk, vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 110.1 calories, Carbohydrate 18.7 g, Cholesterol 11.6 mg, Fat 3 g, Protein 2.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 43.2 mg, Sugar 18.6 g
BIG JOHN'S GYROS/DONAIR SAUCE
Make and share this Big John's Gyros/Donair Sauce recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Big John
Categories Sauces
Time 5m
Yield 2 1/2 Cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Combine milks with onion powder and garlic together in a medium bowl.
- Add vinegar and stir just until mixture thickens.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
THE BEST EVER DONAIRS
This makes the best ever donairs - it comes from the first restaurant to sell donairs in Nova Scotia. Everyone raves about it!!
Provided by strwbrrypi
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 2h30m
Yield 1 Large Ball Of Meat, 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Flatten 3 pounds of hamburger on counter top & sprinkle with the above ingredients. Work all spices into the hamburger well,and form into a ball. Place on a cookis sheet that will fit over a cake pan, or a pan that the fat will drip off of. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, depending on your oven.
- SAUCE:.
- 3/4°C Evaporated Milk 2 Capsfull Vinegar.
- 3/4 Cup White Sugar.
- Mix together until thickens & place in fridge.
- When the meat is done, use the fat from the meat to slightly brown Lebanese bread in frying pan. (You can buy donair bread at the store or make your own) Cut meat in slices, place on top of heated Lebanese bread. Top with chopped onions and tomato then put sauce on top.Roll up.Be ready for a wonderful treat!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 164, Fat 10.4, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 46.3, Sodium 74.8, Carbohydrate 3.3, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 0.3, Protein 13.3
Tips:
- Use high-quality meat for the best flavor. Ground beef, lamb, or chicken can all be used.
- Season the meat well with a variety of spices. Garlic, onion, cumin, and paprika are all good choices.
- Cook the meat over medium heat until it is cooked through.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the toppings. Tomatoes, onions, and lettuce are all good choices.
- Serve the gyros with a variety of sauces, such as tzatziki sauce, hummus, or tahini sauce.
Conclusion:
Gyros are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a quick and easy meal or a party platter. With a little planning, you can make gyros at home that are just as good as the ones you get from a restaurant.
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