Traditional Syrian Shish Barak with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Savory dumplings filled with spiced meat, served in tangy garlic yogurt sauce, and topped with crispy pine nuts in about 60 minutes.
About This Recipe
Shish Barak are tender dumplings filled with spiced meat, swimming in a tangy garlic yogurt sauce. The trick is to serve them hot, topped with toasted pine nuts.
Shish Barak is a traditional Syrian dish made of dumplings filled with seasoned meat. The dough is rolled out thinly and filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and spices, creating a contrast in textures.
Cooking these dumplings in boiling water allows them to become tender without losing their shape. Watch for the moment they float; that signals they’re done and ready to be served.
Expect a comforting blend of flavors: the rich, spiced filling against the creamy garlic yogurt. A common pitfall is overcooking the dumplings, which can make them fall apart; ensure you remove them right when they float.
Serve Shish Barak with extra garlic yogurt on the side and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a crunchy finish. Pair it with a light salad for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe Works
Tender Dumplings, Creamy Sauce: Boiling the dumplings gently cooks them through, while the garlic yogurt sauce adds creaminess that balances the spices.
Toasted Nuts for Crunch: Adding toasted pine nuts on top gives a lovely crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.
Hot Dumplings, Cold Sauce: Serving the dumplings hot and the yogurt sauce cold creates a contrast that elevates each bite.
Chef's Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the dumplings while they cook; as soon as they float, they're ready to come out.
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
60 min
Servings
Ingredients
Handy tools while you cook
Directions
- 1
Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- 2
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add ground meat, cinnamon, allspice, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- 3
Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 3-inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
- 4
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal tightly. Shape into a crescent, if desired.
- 5
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop in dumplings in batches. Cook for about 10 minutes until they float.
- 6
While dumplings cook, mix yogurt with minced garlic. Serve the dumplings hot, topped with garlic yogurt and toasted pine nuts.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
fat
15g
carbs
50g
fiber
2g
sodium
350mg
protein
25g
calories
450
Related Kitchen Tips
All tips
Try these too
More Syrian recipes
