Shish Barak with pasta is a traditional Lebanese dish that consists of small, meat-filled dumplings, known as shish barak, served in a creamy yogurt sauce with pasta. The dumplings are typically made with a mixture of ground meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, pine nuts, and Middle Eastern spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. The dough is then rolled out and cut into small circles, which are filled with the meat mixture, folded over, and pinched closed.
To make the sauce, plain yogurt is mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it and then cooked with garlic and chicken broth until it becomes creamy and velvety. The dish is then assembled by layering cooked pasta, the meat-filled dumplings, and the creamy yogurt sauce in a baking dish and baking until bubbly and golden brown.
Shish Barak with pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly nights or as a special occasion meal. The combination of tender meat-filled dumplings, creamy yogurt sauce, and al dente pasta creates a wonderful textural contrast, while the fragrant spices add a delicious depth of flavor.
