Sure, here’s the modified text with the requested keywords embedded:—Doner kebab is a beloved dish throughout many parts of the Middle East and Mediterranean, particularly in Egypt, where it serves as a mouth-watering sandwich staple. This recipe combines succulent minced lamb with a medley of aromatic spices, cooked to perfection and served on fresh, homemade pita bread.
What sets this dish apart is its incredible balance of rich flavors and textures, from the tender lamb to the crisp vegetables and creamy white sauce. It’s a meal that brings together history and tradition in every bite, offering a taste of authentic Egyptian cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Doner Kebab:
- 500 grams minced lamb meat
- 100 grams chopped onions
- 10 grams grated garlic
- 2 tbsp yogurt (30 grams)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp each thyme, oregano, paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp milk (30 ml)
For the Pita Bread:
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup warm milk
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp yogurt (45 grams)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (45 grams)
- 1 tsp salt
For the Salad:
- 120 grams onion
- 20 grams parsley
- 1 tsp each sumac, paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
White Sauce:
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp each dried parsley, dried mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
- Mix the minced lamb meat, chopped onions, grated garlic, yogurt, salt, thyme, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and milk. Blend it in a food processor until smooth.
- Wrap the meat mixture in parchment paper and place it in the freezer until frozen.
- For the pita bread, combine warm water, warm milk, dry yeast, and sugar. Let it activate for 5 minutes.
- Add yogurt, vegetable oil, and salt to the yeast mixture and knead for 10 minutes until you get a smooth dough. Let it rise for 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 11 pieces, flatten each piece, and let them rest covered for 15 minutes. Bake at 450°F (250°C) for 8 minutes.
- Prepare the salad by combining onions, parsley, sumac, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Refrigerate until needed.
- Make the white sauce by mixing yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, dried parsley, dried mint, salt, and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator.
- Cut the frozen meat into thin slices and sear them on a hot pan with vegetable oil until cooked through.
- Assemble the sandwich by spreading white sauce on the pita bread, then adding the salad, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and hot sauce if desired.
Did you know?
Doner kebab, a staple of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, is especially popular in Egypt, where the flatbread is often referred to as Yufka or pita bread. This bread serves as the perfect base for sandwiches and dips, adding just the right amount of crunch and softness.
The calorie content in a doner kebab can vary based on the ingredients and portion sizes. However, it’s well-balanced nutritionally, offering protein from the lamb, vitamins from the fresh vegetables, and essential fats from the yogurt and mayonnaise. You can always customize it to make a healthier version by adjusting the sauce and salad portions.
Interestingly, doner kebabs are enjoyed globally. In Egypt, these kebabs are available at street food stalls and family kitchens alike, serving as an “easy-to-make” meal full of rich history and culture. Whether you call it a doner kebab or shawarma, this dish bridges culinary traditions from various cultures, making it a favorite worldwide.