Shish Barak is a classic Middle Eastern dish featuring homemade meat dumplings simmered in a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. These delicate dumplings, filled with spiced ground meat, are folded into crescent shapes, lightly baked or fried, and then gently cooked in the yogurt sauce. Topped with fragrant butter-infused dried mint, red pepper flakes, and toasted pine nuts, this comforting dish is perfect for Ramadan, special gatherings, or a cozy family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Middle Eastern Flavor – A traditional dish that has been loved for generations.
- Perfect for Ramadan & Special Occasions – A satisfying and unique dish to serve during iftar.
- Homemade Dumplings – Fresh, flavorful, and made from scratch.
- Rich & Creamy Yogurt Sauce – A velvety, tangy base that perfectly complements the dumplings.
- Customizable & Versatile – Can be baked or fried, and made with lamb, beef, or vegetarian filling.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 250g ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 3 cups plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in ¼ cup water)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup water
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp dried mint
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until soft, then add the ground meat, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook until the meat is fully browned. Let it cool before using.
3. Shape the Dumplings
- Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface.
- Use a small round cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut circles.
- Place a teaspoon of the meat filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold into a crescent shape and pinch the edges to seal well.
4. Bake or Fry the Dumplings
- Baking Method: Lightly bake the dumplings at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes until slightly firm.
- Frying Method: Pan-fry the dumplings in a little oil until golden brown for a crispier texture.
5. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
- In a pot, whisk together the yogurt, dissolved cornstarch, salt, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously in one direction to prevent curdling.
- Once the sauce thickens, add the minced garlic and simmer for a few more minutes.
6. Assemble the Dish
- Gently add the dumplings to the simmering yogurt sauce.
- Let them cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
7. Prepare the Garnish
- In a small pan, melt butter.
- Add dried mint, red pepper flakes, and toasted pine nuts. Stir for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the mixture over the dish before serving.
8. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with a side of rice or bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetarian Shish Barak – Use a filling of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta instead of meat.
- Spicier Version – Add a pinch of chili powder to the meat filling for a slight kick.
- Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crispy fried onions along with the pine nuts for extra texture.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover dumplings and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the yogurt sauce over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a little water if it thickens too much.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen as needed.
FAQs
1. What is Shish Barak?
Shish Barak is a Middle Eastern dish of homemade dumplings filled with spiced meat, cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce.
2. How do I prevent the yogurt sauce from curdling?
Stir continuously in one direction while cooking over medium heat and use cornstarch to stabilize the yogurt.
3. Can I use store-bought dumplings?
Yes, but homemade dumplings have a fresher, more authentic taste.
4. Is it necessary to bake or fry the dumplings before adding them to the sauce?
Yes, this helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart in the sauce.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
6. What can I serve with Shish Barak?
It pairs well with vermicelli rice, a simple salad, or pita bread.
7. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, but you may need to thin it with water to achieve the right consistency.
8. Can I make Shish Barak without an oven?
Yes, you can pan-fry the dumplings instead of baking them.
9. What can I use instead of pine nuts?
Almonds or walnuts make great substitutes.
10. How do I make this dish less tangy?
Reduce the amount of yogurt and balance it with a bit more salt or a pinch of sugar.
Conclusion
Shish Barak is a comforting and flavorful Middle Eastern dish that combines delicate homemade dumplings with a creamy yogurt sauce. Whether served during Ramadan, a family gathering, or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its unique flavors and textures. Try it with a side of rice or warm bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
