
Shish Barak is a traditional Middle Eastern comfort food featuring small, tender dumplings simmered in a tangy, creamy yogurt-based sauce. The dumplings are typically made from a simple dough of flour and water, while the sauce is enriched with garlic, cilantro, and sometimes chickpeas or meat. It is a beloved dish in Levantine and Gulf cuisines, often served over rice or vermicelli.
This dish is a balanced source of protein from the yogurt and dumplings, with moderate carbohydrates and fat. It provides a good amount of calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, and a typical serving contains roughly 400-500 calories.
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Calcium | 320 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Potassium | 410 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 µg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.4 mg |
| Selenium | 18 µg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
Per 1 cup (250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
The unique cooking method of simmering dumplings directly in yogurt creates a distinctive, velvety texture and a flavor profile that balances tanginess with savory depth. Nutritionally, the fermented yogurt base can offer probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.