clintonbee
Novice Foodie
I recently prepared Syrian Shish Barak, and it was a delightful culinary adventure! These delicious meat-filled dumplings cooked in a tangy yogurt sauce are a beloved traditional dish in Syria. The combination of savory dumplings and the creamy, tangy sauce creates a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for a cozy dinner. Here’s how you can make this classic Syrian dish at home:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water (more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 4 cups plain yogurt
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Add pine nuts if using, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
3. Assemble the Shish Barak:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into small circles (about 2 inches in diameter) using a cookie cutter or a glass.
- Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges to seal. Then, bring the corners together and pinch to create a tortellini-like shape.
- Place the filled dumplings on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
4. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a large pot, whisk together the yogurt, egg, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to simmer and thickens slightly.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried mint, and salt. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Gently add the baked dumplings to the simmering yogurt sauce. Cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a small pan, melt the butter and pour it over the dumplings and yogurt sauce before serving.
- Serve the Shish Barak hot, garnished with additional dried mint if desired.
Conclusion
Syrian Shish Barak is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Syria to your table. The tender meat-filled dumplings combined with the rich and tangy yogurt sauce make for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this traditional dish is sure to impress and delight everyone. Enjoy this delicious taste of Syria!
