Donair Sandwich Meat / Donair Sandwiches

I didn't know what Donair meat was or where it came from when I came across this recipe from Food.com.  

So, apparently Donair sandwiches are meatloaf sandwiches and originated from the Middle East.  Greeks, Turks and Lebanese all claim to have come up with the idea and these sandwiches have become a popular dish in Canada.

They are really tasty and this recipe makes a large loaf; it freezes well so you can make it, slice it and freeze the slices to use later!  Enjoy!

Ingredients for Meatloaf:

-2 lbs. ground beef

-1/2 cup bread crumbs

-1 1/4 tsp pepper

-1/2 to 1 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, to taste

-1 tsp oregano

-2 tsp onion powder

-1/2 tsp garlic powder

-1/4 tsp salt

Ingredients for Donair Sauce:

-1/2 cup evaporated milk

-1/2 cup sugar

-1 1/4 tbsp vinegar

-1/4 tsp garlic powder

Additional Ingredients for Sandwiches:

-pita bread {I used my Homemade Pita Bread}

-chopped or sliced onions

-sliced tomato

Process for Meatloaf:

1. Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer set to mix with dough hook.  If you don't have a standing mixer you can do this by hand.

2. Start mixer at medium speed and allow to mix for 20 minutes.  Or knead by hand for 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 300 degrees and spray a broiler pan with non-stick spray.

This is what you meat should look like after mixing for 20 minutes...

4. Form meat mixture into a meatloaf.  I did this on a sheet of foil; it was a little tough to move form the foil, so you decide what works best for you.

5. Move meatloaf to prepared broiler pan.

6. Bake meatloaf for 2-2 1/2 hours.

 7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

 8. Slice meatloaf thinly.

Process for Sauce:
1. Stir evaporated milk, sugar and garlic powder until sugar is dissolved.
2. Slowly add vinegar and continue mixing.
3. Let sauce sit for at least 1 hour in refrigerator before serving.

Process for Sandwiches:
1. Heat meat in frying pan.
2. Dip pita bread in water and fry in pan until softened.
3. Place a small amount of sauce on bread.
4. Top with meat, onions and tomato, top with a little more sauce.
5. Roll up or serve open faced.

*We also tried these by putting the meat in the pita and frying the pita until crisp on both sides!  The crunchy pita was a great touch!

ENJOY!