Description
Shish Barak is a comforting Middle Eastern dish featuring homemade meat dumplings simmered in a creamy garlic-infused yogurt sauce. These delicate lamb or beef-filled dumplings, folded into crescent shapes, are either baked or pan-fried before being gently cooked in the tangy yogurt broth. Topped with fragrant mint butter and toasted pine nuts, this dish is a beloved classic for special occasions like Ramadan Iftar.
Ingredients
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2️⃣ Make the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onions until soft.
- Add ground meat, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Cook until browned, then set aside to cool.
3️⃣ Shape the Dumplings:
- Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface. Cut into small circles using a cup or cutter.
- Place a teaspoon of meat filling in each circle, fold into a crescent shape, and press edges to seal.
4️⃣ Bake or Fry the Dumplings:
- Lightly bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or pan-fry in a little olive oil until golden.
5️⃣ Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a pot, whisk together yogurt, dissolved cornstarch, salt, and water over medium heat. Stir continuously until thickened.
- Add garlic and simmer for a few minutes.
6️⃣ Assemble the Dish:
- Gently drop the dumplings into the yogurt sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
7️⃣ Prepare the Garnish:
- In a small pan, melt butter, then add dried mint, red pepper flakes, and toasted pine nuts.
- Pour over the dish and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, deep-fry the dumplings before adding them to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch amount slightly.
- Serve with rice or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering, Baking, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Arabic, Lebanese