Shish Barak with Labanieh: simply that’s “The Ultimate Middle Eastern Comfort Dumpling Soup”
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Levant with Shish Barak with Labanieh – a truly iconic and deeply comforting dish that’s a beloved staple in Lebanese, Syrian, Jordanian, and Palestinian homes. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a labor of love, a symphony of textures and flavors, and a taste of cherished family traditions.
Imagine delicate, bite-sized meat-filled dumplings (the “Shish Barak”) – tender parcels of dough wrapped around a savory, spiced ground meat filling. These little treasures are then gently cooked in a luscious, warm, and tangy yogurt sauce (the “Labanieh” or “Laban”).
But the magic doesn’t stop there: the creamy yogurt broth is brightened with a vibrant flourish of sautéed garlic and aromatic dried mint, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Ingredients ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ :

For the Shish Barak Dough:
200 G Flour, plus more for dusting
¼ Tsp Salt
80 G Water
1 Tbsp Olive Oil

For the Shish Barak Filling:
200 G Ground Meat
1 Medium Onion, Finely Chopped
½ Tsp Salt
½ Tsp Seven Spices
½ Tsp Ground Cinnamon
¼ Tsp White Pepper
4 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Pine Nuts , Optional
2 Tbsp Pomegranate Molasses, Optional

For The Yogurt sauce “Labanieh”:
1 Kg Yogurt
1 Tbsp Cornstarch
2 Cups Water
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
5 Garlic Cloves, Finely Chopped
1 Tbsp Dried Mint
¼ Tsp Salt
½ Cup Water
½ Cup Rice, washed and drained

Dining and Cooking