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Traditional Middle Eastern Meat Dumplings in Yogurt Sauce


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  • Author: Mari
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves 4–6

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