Homemade Doner Kebab
Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade doner kebab, a savory dish with juicy meat wrapped in warm pita and topped with fresh veggies and exciting sauces.
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 400kcal
Ingredients
For the meat mixture
- 2.2 lb Ground beef or lamb (or a mix) Ground beef or lamb can be mixed for flavor.
- 1 each Onion (grated) Add sweetness to the meat.
- 3 cloves Garlic (grated) For extra flavor.
- 1/4 cup Plain yogurt Adds moisture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Enhances the texture.
- Salt To taste.
- Pepper To taste.
- 2 teaspoons Cumin Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Sweet paprika For color and flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Oregano Adds an aromatic quality.
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional) For those who like it spicy.
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste (or BBQ sauce) For sweetness and moisture.
For assembly
- Warm pita (or a large tortilla) For wrapping the kebab.
- Shredded lettuce (or cabbage) For crunch.
- Red onion (sliced) Adds sharpness.
- Pickles For tanginess.
- Tahini sauce (optional) For a rich texture.
- Tzatziki (optional) Traditional sauce pairing.
- Fresh parsley (optional) For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, grated garlic, yogurt, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and olive oil. Mix well with your hands until the mixture feels sticky and cohesive.
- Divide the mixture into 5 equal parts. Place a piece of parchment paper on the counter, set one portion of meat on top, and cover it with another sheet of parchment. Using a rolling pin, spread the meat into a very thin, even rectangle.
Rolling and Baking
- Remove the top piece of parchment. Starting from the long side, use the bottom parchment to roll the meat sheet into a firm, compact log.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the rolled meat on a baking tray and bake, wrapped, for 20-25 minutes.
Serving
- Let the meat rest for about 5 minutes, then slice thinly to reveal the doner texture.
- Stuff your warm pita with the sliced meat and top with tomatoes, lettuce, onion, pickles, and your favorite sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
Marinate the meat mixture for a few hours or overnight for deep flavors. If available, grill the rolled meat after baking for additional smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, substitute meat with chickpeas and zucchini.