By eatmundo · July 12, 2026
Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world
1 matchDishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Shish Barak. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.
Same technique: Dumpling30 recipes from 10 countries
Delicate meat-filled dumplings simmered in a warm, silky yogurt sauce. A true Levantine comfort classic.
According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Shish Barak from another cuisine is Borani Bademjan (Iran): the two share 50% of their ingredients.
Ingredients
tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping listHow to Make It
- 1
Sauté 500g minced beef with 50g toasted pine nuts until browned.
- 2
Prepare a soft dough using 500g flour and 250ml water, letting it rest for 30 minutes.
- 3
Roll the dough thin and cut into 5cm circles.
- 4
Place a teaspoon of filling in each, fold into a crescent, and join the ends to form the traditional hat shape.
- 5
Bake the dumplings at 180°C for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- 6
In a large pot, whisk 1kg yogurt with 1 tbsp cornstarch and simmer until thickened.
- 7
Gently drop the dumplings into the yogurt sauce.
- 8
Simmer for 10 minutes until the dumplings are tender.
- 9
Finish with a sizzle of garlic and dried mint in butter poured over the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shish Barak?
Shish Barak is a Lebanese dumpling dish consisting of dough parcels filled with minced beef and cooked in a warm yogurt sauce seasoned with garlic and dried mint. It is typically served as a main course during winter months or family gatherings.
What type of beef is best for the Shish Barak filling?
Use ground beef with at least 20% fat content to ensure the filling remains juicy inside the delicate dough pockets.
Why bake the dumplings before simmering?
Baking them briefly sets the dough so the dumplings keep their shape in the yogurt sauce.
How can I tell when the Shish Barak dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings are ready when they float to the surface of the simmering sauce and the dough looks slightly translucent.
Is it possible to substitute pine nuts if I cannot find them?
Toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts are excellent alternatives that provide the necessary crunch and nutty flavor profile.