Shish Barak/ Lebanese Meat Dumplings with Yogurt

ground lamb

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt is thicker and healthier, while sour cream is a cost-effective alternative.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: chopped walnuts

Sunflower seeds offer similar texture, while walnuts are more affordable.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine provides a budget-friendly option.

In a large bowl, add flour and salt, pour in milk, and stir with a spatula.

Once the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead until the dough forms a ball.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 3 minutes until firm and bounces back when pressed.

Cover the dough with cling film and let it rest for 30 minutes.

In a large skillet, sauté minced lamb or beef over medium heat until well browned, about 7-8 minutes.

Add sunflower oil, onions, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stir to combine, then reduce heat to low and cover, simmering for 5-7 minutes until onions wilt and liquid dries out.

Set the filling aside to cool completely.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.

Cut the dough into 2-inch rounds using a cookie cutter, spacing rounds closely together.

Place 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of each round, fold over to form a half-moon, and press the corners tightly to seal.

Transfer the dumplings to a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each piece, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F until lightly browned and crispy.

In a large heavy-based pot, add yogurt, egg, and diluted corn starch, whisking to homogenize.

Place the pot over high heat, whisking constantly to avoid curdling, until the yogurt boils.

Gently add the baked dumplings one at a time, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring gently to prevent breakage.

In a skillet, melt butter and add sunflower oil, garlic, and fresh cilantro, cooking over medium-low heat until fragrant, about 45 seconds.

Transfer the garlic and cilantro mixture to the yogurt pot and stir to combine.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens