Discover how to make Shish Barak, a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring succulent lamb-stuffed dumplings simmered in a rich, creamy yogurt sauce. This step-by-step recipe guides you through creating this flavorful dish from scratch, perfect for impressing your family and friends with authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the Dumplings:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup semolina

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 cup melted butter

- 1/4 cup water (more if needed)

For the Filling:

- 300g ground lamb

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1/2 cup pine nuts (optional)

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Yogurt Sauce:

- 2 cups plain yogurt

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

- 1 tablespoon butter

- 1/2 cup water

- Salt to taste

- Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a bowl, mix the flour, semolina, salt, and baking powder.

  - Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.

  - Gradually add water, kneading until you form a smooth dough.

  - Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Make the Filling:

  - Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

  - Sauté the chopped onion until translucent.

  - Add ground lamb, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook until lamb is browned and cooked through.

  - Stir in pine nuts if using. Set aside to cool.

Shape the Dumplings:

  - Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.

  - Cut into 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass.

  - Place a spoonful of the lamb mixture in the center of each circle.

  - Fold the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle and seal the edges by pinching them together.

  - You can also shape into crescent shapes if preferred.

Cook the Dumplings:

  - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  - Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until they float and are cooked through.

  - Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:

  - In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

  - Mix cornstarch with water and add to the saucepan.

  - Stir in the yogurt and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

  - Season with salt to taste.

Combine and Serve:

  - Place the cooked dumplings in a serving dish.

  - Pour the yogurt sauce over the dumplings.

  - Garnish with fresh mint if desired.

Serve Shish Barak warm and enjoy this delightful Middle Eastern classic!

Nutritional values

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour

 - Calories: 455

 - Carbohydrates: 95g

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates. Contains some protein and iron.

1/2 cup semolina

 - Calories: ~220

 - Carbohydrates: 45g

Benefits: Rich in carbohydrates and provides protein and fiber. Contains B vitamins and iron.

1/4 teaspoon salt

 - Calories: 0

 - Sodium: 575mg

Benefits: Adds flavor; should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

 - Calories: 0

 - Nutritional Benefits: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.

1/4 cup melted butter

 - Calories: 400

 - Fat: 45g

Benefits: Provides richness and flavor; contains vitamin A. High in saturated fats, so should be used in moderation.

1/4 cup water (more if needed)

 - Calories: 0

Benefits: Hydrates and helps to bind the ingredients together.

For the Filling:

300g ground lamb

 - Calories: 720

 - Protein: 60g

 - Fat: 50g

Benefits: High in protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Rich in healthy fats but should be consumed in moderation.

1 small onion, finely chopped

 - Calories: 45

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

Benefits: Contains vitamins C and B6, and antioxidants. Supports immune function and digestive health.

1/2 cup pine nuts (optional)

 - Calories: 400

 - Fat: 40g

 - Protein: 6g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, protein, and vitamins like vitamin E. Rich in antioxidants and can support heart health.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - Calories: 6

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Adds flavor with potential health benefits.

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

 - Calories: 3

Benefits: Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties. May aid in digestion and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Salt and pepper to taste

 - Salt: Adds flavor, should be used in moderation.

 - Pepper: Contains antioxidants and can aid digestion.

2 tablespoons olive oil

 - Calories: 240

 - Fat: 28g

Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. Provides vitamin E and antioxidants.

For the Yogurt Sauce:

2 cups plain yogurt

 - Calories: 300

 - Protein: 16g

 - Fat: 8g

Benefits: Provides protein, calcium, and probiotics which are beneficial for digestive health.

2 cloves garlic, minced

 - Calories: 10

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits: Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Supports heart health.

1 tablespoon cornstarch

 - Calories: 30

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

Benefits: Used as a thickening agent; provides no significant nutrients but helps achieve the desired consistency.

1 tablespoon butter

 - Calories: 100

 - Fat: 11g

Benefits: Adds richness and flavor; contains vitamin A. High in saturated fats.

1/2 cup water

 - Calories: 0

Benefits: Hydrates and helps blend ingredients.

Salt to taste

 - Adds flavor; use in moderation.

Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

 - Calories: 1 (per tablespoon)

Benefits: Provides flavor and contains antioxidants and vitamins A and C.

The dumplings and their components provide a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The spices and herbs add flavor and additional health benefits. The yogurt sauce adds a creamy texture and probiotic benefits. This recipe is rich in nutrients but should be enjoyed in moderation due to the high fat content in some ingredients.