Homemade Shish Barak is a traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of small meat-filled dumplings cooked in a flavorful yogurt sauce. This dish is popular in various countries in the region, with slight variations in preparation and ingredients.
To make Homemade Shish Barak, you’ll need ingredients like ground meat (typically lamb or beef), dumpling wrappers (usually made from flour), yogurt, garlic, onion, spices (such as cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg), and a few additional ingredients for the sauce and garnish.
Start by preparing the meat filling. In a bowl, mix together the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and a combination of spices. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and ensure that the ingredients are well incorporated.
Next, take the dumpling wrappers and place a small amount of the meat filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the wrapper over to create a half-moon shape, and seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers. Repeat this process until all the dumplings are filled.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the dumplings. Cook them until they float to the surface, indicating that they are cooked through. Remove the cooked dumplings from the pot and set them aside.
In a separate saucepan, heat some oil and sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Then, add yogurt to the saucepan and stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Season the yogurt sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and you can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
Add the cooked dumplings to the yogurt sauce and gently stir to coat them evenly. Allow the dumplings to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
To serve, transfer the Shish Barak to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or mint. You can also drizzle some olive oil on top for added richness.
Homemade Shish Barak is best enjoyed warm, and it can be served as a main dish accompanied by rice or bread. The combination of tender meat-filled dumplings and creamy yogurt sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests or delight your family.
