Teresa's Recipes
Shish Barak
Shish Barak is a cherished dish from the Levantine region, often called 'dumplings in yogurt sauce.' These delightful dumplings are filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, encased in a tender dough, and bathed in a luxurious, tangy yogurt sauce. The dish embodies the warmth and hospitality of Middle Eastern cuisine, making it a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings and festive occasions. Traditionally enjoyed during celebrations, each bite offers a comforting taste of history and culture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup, warm Water
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 cups Plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4-6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually pour in warm water, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes elastic.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles, approximately 3 inches in diameter.
- Place about a teaspoon of the meat mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork or pinching them together to ensure a tight closure.
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Carefully add the dumplings to the boiling broth and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
- While the dumplings are cooking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the plain yogurt and stir continuously until well combined and warmed through, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling.
- Once the dumplings are cooked, reduce the heat to low and gently transfer them to the yogurt sauce, stirring carefully to coat the dumplings. Allow to heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the Shish Barak hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy this flavorful dish with warm pita bread or a fresh salad.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some fresh herbs like mint or dill to the filling.
- You can also substitute the ground beef with ground lamb for a richer taste.
- If you prefer a thicker yogurt sauce, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water while heating the yogurt.