Learn to Prepare Authentic Turkish Doner Kebab at Home with This Simple Recipe

Döner kebab, originating from Bursa, Turkey, is a popular dish known for its rotating grilled meat. Traditionally made with lamb, it is often prepared with beef or a mix of both in Europe. While frozen versions exist, homemade döner kebabs offer a fresher taste. This recipe guides you through making a European-style pita kebab at home.

Meat

• 2 kg (4½ lb) ground beef or minced meat
• 11-12 tsp chicken salt/seasoned salt
• 6 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)

Sauce

• 2-3 dl (⅞-1¼ cups) plain yogurt
• 1-3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tsp basil
• 1-1½ tsp black and/or white pepper
• Optional: Green, lemon, or red pepper; chili pepper or powder; cayenne pepper; Tabasco sauce

• 1 can (70 g / 2½ oz) tomato purée
• ½-1 tsp salt
• ½-1½ tsp white pepper
• ½-1½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 pinch oregano
• Ketchup (to taste)

Serving

• Pita bread
• Salad (see notes)
• Rice
• Chips/French fries

Meat Preparation

1. Mix all the meat ingredients into a cohesive chunk.
2. Use a mixer or hands to remove air from the chunk.
3. If desired, make a hole in the chunk for fat drainage.
4. Tightly wrap in more than two layers of aluminium foil.
5. Bake at 100°C (210°F) for four hours. This time applies regardless of portion size.
6. Once done, remove from oven, unwrap, and let cool. Slice thinly with a shredder or knife.

Sauce Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients for the chosen sauce(s).
2. Mix well until smooth.

Serving Suggestions

• Sandwich-style: Slice pita bread open and layer with salad, kebab, and dressing like a hamburger.
• Reel-kebab: Use the same technique as rolling burritos with pita bread.
• Kebab pizza: Top a pizza with kebab slices.
• Kebab with rice: Fill over half of a plate with kebab and the rest with rice. Add ketchup or sauce.
• Kebab with chips: Replace rice with chips and serve similarly.

Nutritional Values

*Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.

This döner kebab recipe allows for customisation. Add spices like chili or cayenne to the meat for extra flavour. A typical salad includes tomatoes, pickles, cucumbers, and Chinese cabbage with mayonnaise. Adjust salad ingredients to your liking for a balanced meal.