Food trends come and go, but judging by the current trend – it seems to be here to stay, at least for now. The preparation trick is simple and exciting for adults and teenagers alike: basically you can choose any piece of ground meat you want (beef, chicken, lamb and even with fish) – mix with spices, Cover the meat with additional baking paper and roll from the center outward, until a thin layer of meat is obtained that covers the entire area of the baking paper. Roll up – and put in the oven for half an hour. The taste and texture are very reminiscent of a dish you buy at a shawarma store.
The minced meat roasted in the oven provides the body with high-quality protein, which helps to build muscle, a feeling of satiety, and balance sugar levels over time. If you use beef or turkey, then you also gain iron that is well absorbed and contributes to increasing energy, preventing anemia and maintaining cognitive function. There is also here B12 and zinc, which contribute to the functioning of the nervous system and the immune system, to improving concentration and to the health of the skin. And unlike the classic shawarma, here you know exactly what goes into the dish: no frying or unnecessary additions and surprises.
the disadvantages
As with any meat-based dish, if you choose fatty cuts or exaggerate the amount, you can consume too much saturated fat and sodium, and also reach a high caloric value. In addition, if you serve the doner inside a white wheat pita with prepared sauces and without vegetables, you miss the healthy potential of the dish.
What makes this doner so good is its flexibility: you can make it from lean meat, control the quantities and serve it alongside toppings that balance the dish such as: fresh vegetables, wholemeal pita and tahini. Such a dish is a rich, indulgent and satisfying dish.
Bottom line: the trend succeeds in combining the taste of the streets of Istanbul with nutritional values that are really good for the body, but it is important to make sure to choose a lean piece of meat, to combine it with toppings with a high nutritional value – and not to exaggerate the amount of meat.
Shir Alfi – Zegar, clinical dietician of Klalit in the Dan district – Pet