Shish barak consists of small meat-filled dumplings in yoghurt sauce. Size and dough thickness matter: large pieces need longer and may thicken the sauce before cooking through. Make even pieces and test one before completing the batch.
Ingredients
For four portions, use two cups flour, about three-quarters cup water added gradually, a pinch of salt and one teaspoon oil for dough. For filling, use 300 g mince, one small onion, one tablespoon oil, salt and pepper. For sauce, prepare 800 g pasteurised yoghurt, one tablespoon cornflour dissolved in a little water, garlic and coriander to taste.
Flour absorption varies, so do not add all the water at once. The recipe contains wheat and milk; account for allergies when serving.
Dough and filling
Mix flour, salt and oil, adding water until firm and flexible. Knead briefly and rest covered for about 20–30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook onion and mince until liquid evaporates and meat reaches 71°C, then cool.
Roll dough thinly and cut small circles. Add a little filling, fold into a half-moon and join the ends for the usual shape if desired. Seal firmly and keep filling off the edges, where it prevents adhesion.
Sauce and cooking
You may lightly bake dumplings in a moderate oven to set them without excessive drying. Whisk yoghurt and dissolved cornflour, then heat gradually while stirring. Add suitable batches of dumplings and cook gently until dough is done and filling thoroughly hot. Reheat previously chilled filling to 74°C.
Add garlic and coriander as preferred and adjust sauce gradually with hot water. Serve once bubbling settles; vigorous boiling may open dumplings or damage the sauce.
Can uncooked dumplings be frozen?
Make them with safely cooked and chilled filling, freeze separately and pack once firm. Label date and ingredients and use a method that fully cooks dough and heats filling. Do not freeze filling that spent too long unrefrigerated.
Related products from ALRAQI MEATS
Beef Mince - 1 kg, or Beef Mince - 500 g. Check the product page for weight, ingredients and cutting options before ordering. Choose a cut suited to the cooking method; a boneless or mixed-meat label alone does not guarantee suitability for quick cooking.
Further guidance
Safe minimum cooking temperatures, Refrigerated food storage.