Shish Barak is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made of small dumplings filled with seasoned meat and cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce. Loved across Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, this dish is flavorful, comforting, and perfect for family meals or special occasions.
FAQs About Shish Barak
Here are some common questions about Shish Barak, answered quickly so you can get the information you need before reading the full recipe:
1. What is a Shish Barak recipe?
A Shish Barak recipe guides you to make small dumplings filled with meat and cooked in yogurt sauce. It includes instructions for the dough, filling, and cooking process so you can enjoy authentic Middle Eastern flavors at home.
2. What is a Shish Barak made of?
Shish Barak is made of soft dough filled with seasoned ground beef or lamb. The dumplings are cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce with garlic, mint, and sometimes pine nuts for extra flavor.
3. What is the meaning of Shish Barak?
“Shish Barak” refers to small dumplings (“Barak”) traditionally cooked on a skewer or in a sauce (“Shish” loosely means skewer or small pieces). It’s a classic Middle Eastern comfort food.
4. How to make Shosh Barak?
To make Shosh (Shish) Barak, prepare the dough and meat filling, shape the dumplings into small pockets, and cook them gently in yogurt sauce until tender. Follow step-by-step recipes for best results.
5. How many Shish Barak calories are there?
A serving of Shish Barak usually has around 250–350 calories, depending on the meat type, yogurt, and portion size. Using lean meat or low-fat yogurt can make it lighter while keeping it flavorful.
6. Is Shish Barak good for weight loss?
Shish Barak can be included in a balanced diet. Using lean meat, low-fat yogurt, and moderate portions makes it a lighter, protein-rich dish. However, it’s still calorie-dense, so portion control is important.
7. Can I use frozen Shish Barak?
Yes! Frozen Shish Barak is convenient and still tastes great. You can cook it directly in the yogurt sauce or boil it first and then simmer in the sauce.
8. What is Shish Barak dough?
The dough is soft and simple, made from flour, water, salt, and a little olive oil. Rolled thin, it forms the small pockets that hold the meat filling.
9. Is there a Lebanese Shish Barak recipe?
Yes! The Lebanese version usually includes ground lamb or beef, pine nuts, and spices like cinnamon. It’s cooked in yogurt sauce with garlic and mint, giving it a distinct flavor loved worldwide.
10. Where can I find a Shish Barak restaurant near me?
Search for Middle Eastern or Lebanese restaurants nearby. Many serve fresh Shish Barak in creamy yogurt sauce, letting you enjoy authentic flavors without cooking at home.
What is Shish Barak?
Shish Barak is often called the “Middle Eastern dumpling.” These are small dough pockets filled with spiced meat and cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce. Unlike Western dumplings or ravioli, Shish Barak has a lighter, tangy flavor thanks to the yogurt.
This dish is part of the culinary traditions of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. It is often served during family gatherings, Ramadan iftars, or special celebrations. Making it at home allows you to experience these authentic flavors with fresh ingredients and control over the taste.
History and Cultural Significance
Shish Barak has been a beloved dish in the Levant for centuries. Its name, “Shish Barak,” is thought to come from the Turkish influence during the Ottoman period, with “barak” meaning “small dumpling.” Traditionally, it was a dish prepared for special occasions because it required time and skill to make the perfect dough and filling.
In Arabic culture, Shish Barak represents generosity and sharing — a large pot of this dish often feeds an entire family or neighborhood during celebrations. Today, it’s enjoyed not just in homes but also in restaurants across the Middle East, allowing everyone to experience a taste of tradition.
Ingredients for Shish Barak
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup warm water
Filling:
- 250g ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tbsp pine nuts (optional, toasted)
Yogurt Sauce:
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbsp dried mint
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Dough
Combine flour, salt, olive oil, and warm water. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes to make it soft and easy to roll.
2. Make the Filling
Cook the minced meat with onions, salt, pepper, and cinnamon until browned. Add toasted pine nuts for extra flavor if desired. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Shape the Dumplings
Roll the dough thinly and cut into 2-inch circles. Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle, fold into a half-moon, and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
4. Cook the Yogurt Sauce
In a saucepan, heat yogurt with the cornstarch mixture over medium heat. Add garlic, dried mint, coriander, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from curdling.
5. Combine Dumplings and Sauce
Gently place dumplings into the yogurt sauce. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the dumplings.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings
- Don’t overfill the dumplings; this prevents tearing.
- Keep the heat low to medium to avoid yogurt curdling.
- Fresh herbs like coriander and mint enhance the flavor.
- Optional: drizzle olive oil or sprinkle pine nuts on top for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Shish Barak warm with vermicelli rice or fresh Arabic bread. Sprinkle dried mint or paprika on top for extra aroma. It can be a main dish or part of a larger Middle Eastern meal.
Variations You Can Try
- Vegetarian Version: Use a filling of spinach, feta, and pine nuts.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat filling.
- Mini Dumplings: Make small dumplings as appetizers for parties.
Shish Barak is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender dumplings, savory meat, and tangy yogurt sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or anyone wanting to try a traditional Middle Eastern recipe.
At Al Farah Gourmet, we offer fresh halal meat and all the ingredients you need to make authentic Shish Barak at home.
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