Syrian Shish Barak – How to Prepare Syrian Shish Barak

Syrian Shish Barak – How to Prepare Syrian Shish Barak

Shish Barak is a traditional dish with origins in Uzbekistan, but it has been adapted to Syrian ingredients and is considered a main meal, typically served for lunch. It is also known as "Shushbarak" or "Sheikh's Ears" due to the shape of the dough resembling a human ear after being stuffed with meat. This dish is popular in the Levant, Saudi Arabia, and Hejaz. It serves six people and takes about two hours to prepare.

Ingredients for Shish Barak:

 

For the Dough:

• 1 kilogram of flour
• ¼ cup of corn oil
• ¼ teaspoon of yeast
• Approximately 1 cup of water
• ¼ teaspoon of salt (or to taste)

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 2 kilograms of yogurt
• 1 egg
• 5 cups of water
• ½ cup of corn oil
• ½ cup of rice
• 1 teaspoon of salt

For the Filling:

• 1 kilogram of ground meat (or lamb pieces)
• 2 large onions, chopped
• ¼ cup of corn oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Syrian Shish Barak:

Step 1 – Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, add the flour, ¼ cup of corn oil, ¼ teaspoon of yeast, and warm water. Knead the mixture until the ingredients are well combined, adding a pinch of salt or adjusting to taste. Set the dough aside to rest.

Step 2 – Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
In a pot, add 2 kilograms of yogurt and 1 egg. Stir them together thoroughly before placing the pot on the stove. Heat the mixture on medium heat until it begins to boil, then add 5 cups of water. Stir the yogurt in one direction while it continues to cook.

Once the yogurt mixture boils, add ½ cup of rice and ½ teaspoon of salt, stirring continuously in one direction until the rice is fully cooked.

Step 3 – Prepare the Filling:
In a frying pan, place the ground meat (or lamb pieces) and 2 large chopped onions. Add ¼ cup of corn oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the mixture until the meat is fully done.

Step 4 – Shape the Dough:
Roll out the dough and cut it into small circles. Place a spoonful of the prepared meat filling onto each dough circle, then fold and seal the dough tightly to form small dumplings.

Step 5 – Cook the Dumplings in Yogurt:
Carefully drop the prepared dumplings into the boiling yogurt sauce. Let them cook over low heat until the dough is fully cooked.

Step 6 – Add Garlic:
In a separate pan, heat 3 tablespoons of corn oil and sauté 10 crushed garlic cloves until golden. Add the sautéed garlic to the yogurt and dumpling mixture, and let it simmer for 15 more minutes over low heat.

Shish Barak can be served alongside rice with vermicelli and onions. Garnish with fried pine nuts and chopped parsley or cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

Enjoy your delicious Syrian Shish Barak!