Discover how to make Shish Barak, a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring savory dumplings filled with minced meat, simmered to perfection in a rich, tangy yogurt-based stew. This step-by-step recipe will guide you through preparing these delightful dumplings and cooking them in a flavorful yogurt sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal or special occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Dumplings:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)

For the Filling:

- 250 grams minced meat (beef or lamb)

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Yogurt Stew:

- 4 cups plain yogurt

- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon dried mint

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Add vegetable oil and water, gradually kneading until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

  - Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent. Add minced meat, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is browned and cooked through. Stir in toasted pine nuts. Remove from heat and let cool.

Shape the Dumplings:

  - Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal. Arrange on a baking sheet.

Prepare the Yogurt Stew:

  - In a large pot, heat vegetable oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add flour and cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in the yogurt, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in dried mint and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.

Cook the Dumplings:

  - Gently place the dumplings into the yogurt stew. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the stew has thickened.

Serve:

  - Serve Shish Barak hot, garnished with additional dried mint if desired. Enjoy this comforting Middle Eastern dish with a side of rice or warm pita bread.

This Shish Barak recipe is a delightful way to explore traditional Middle Eastern flavors and create a hearty, satisfying meal.

Nutritional Values

For the Dumplings:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups, ~240g)

- Calories: ~364

- Protein: ~10g

- Fat: ~1g

- Carbohydrates: ~76g

- Fiber: ~2.7g

Benefits:

- Provides a primary source of carbohydrates for energy.

- Fortified varieties can offer additional nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon, ~2.5g)

- Calories: ~0

- Protein: ~0g

- Fat: ~0g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Benefits:

- Enhances flavor.

- Regulates fluid balance and nerve function; use in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon, ~2g)

- Calories: ~53

- Protein: ~0g

- Fat: ~0g

- Carbohydrates: ~13g

Benefits:

- Helps the dough rise by releasing carbon dioxide.

- Contains sodium, so use in moderation.

Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup, ~60ml)

- Calories: ~884

- Protein: ~0g

- Fat: ~100g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Benefits:

- Provides healthy fats.

- Used to add moisture and richness to the dough.

Water (1/2 cup, ~120ml)

- Calories: ~0

- Protein: ~0g

- Fat: ~0g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Benefits:

- Hydrates the dough.

- Essential for proper dough consistency.

For the Filling:

Minced Meat (250g)

- Calories: ~250

- Protein: ~25g

- Fat: ~20g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Nutritional Values (per 100g) for Lamb:

- Calories: ~250

- Protein: ~25g

- Fat: ~20g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Benefits:

- High in protein for muscle maintenance.

- Provides essential vitamins and minerals like B12, zinc, and iron.

Onion (1 small, ~70g)

- Calories: 40

- Protein: ~1g

- Fat: ~0.1g

- Carbohydrates: ~9g

- Fiber: ~1.7g

Benefits:

- Adds flavor and nutrition.

- Contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds that support heart health.

Pine Nuts (1/2 cup, ~60g, toasted)

- Calories: ~673

- Protein: ~14g

- Fat: ~68g

- Carbohydrates: ~14g

Benefits:

- Adds richness and texture to the filling.

- Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: ~375

- Protein: ~17g

- Fat: ~22g

- Carbohydrates: ~44g

Benefits:

- Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

- May aid digestion and provide antioxidants.

Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)

- Calories: ~247

- Protein: ~4g

- Fat: ~1g

- Carbohydrates: ~81g

Benefits:

- Adds a sweet, warm flavor.

- Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, ~30ml)

- Calories: ~884

- Protein: ~0g

- Fat: ~100g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Benefits:

- Provides healthy monounsaturated fats.

- Rich in antioxidants and may support heart health.

For the Yogurt Stew:

Plain Yogurt (4 cups, ~960ml)

- Calories: ~61

- Protein: ~3.5g

- Fat: ~3.3g

- Carbohydrates: ~4.7g

Benefits:

- Rich in protein and probiotics.

- Provides calcium and supports digestive health.

All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup, ~30g)

- Calories: ~364

- Protein: ~10g

- Fat: ~1g

- Carbohydrates: ~76g

- Fiber: ~2.7g

Benefits:

- Adds thickness to the yogurt stew.

- Provides a source of carbohydrates.

Garlic (2 cloves, ~6g)

- Calories: ~149

- Protein: ~6g

- Fat: ~0.5g

- Carbohydrates: ~33g

Benefits:

- Adds flavor and potential health benefits.

- Contains allicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons, ~30ml)

- Calories: ~884

- Protein: ~0g

- Fat: ~100g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Benefits:

- Adds flavor and richness to the stew.

- Provides healthy fats.

Dried Mint (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: ~70

- Protein: ~4g

- Fat: ~0.9g

- Carbohydrates: ~14g

Benefits:

- Adds a fresh, herbal flavor.

- Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.