Lebanese Shish Barak Fatteh – Creamy, Comforting, and Deeply Nourishing
Before we dive in — thank you so much for stopping by. It means a lot to me that you're here, exploring a recipe that’s not just a dish, but a hug in a bowl. Today, I’m sharing something truly close to my heart: Shish Barak Fatteh – a lesser-known yet absolutely divine dish from Levantine cuisine that brings together creamy yogurt, crispy flatbread, and the warmth of toasted pine nuts. This is soul food — comforting, aromatic, and rich with tradition.
This isn’t just a recipe — it’s a beautiful memory in the making. Perfect for slow Sundays, cozy gatherings, or whenever your soul craves comfort.
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What Is Shish Barak Fatteh?
Shish Barak Fatteh is a twist on two traditional Middle Eastern dishes: Shish Barak (mini meat dumplings in garlicky yogurt sauce) and Fatteh (a layered dish with toasted pita, yogurt, and toppings). This version simplifies the idea: think of crispy pita bread soaked in warm, garlicky yogurt, topped with a golden drizzle of butter and pine nuts. It’s velvety, tangy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Fatteh
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🧄 Garlicky, tangy yogurt sauce that’s warming and satisfying
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🫓 Crispy pita pieces that soak up the flavor like little sponges of joy
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🥄 No dumplings needed – this is a simplified, quicker take
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🧈 Golden butter & pine nut topping for the ultimate finish
It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to eat with a spoon, curled up in your favorite spot. Rich without being heavy, and layered with love in every bite.
What Does It Taste Like?
This dish is creamy, tangy, and savory with a deep warmth from the garlic. The toasted bread adds texture while the pine nuts bring a buttery crunch. It’s a flavor profile that feels both familiar and exotic, with yogurt lending a unique brightness that balances everything out.
Benefits of This Recipe
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✅ Rich in probiotics from the yogurt
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✅ High in calcium and protein
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✅ Vegetarian-friendly
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✅ Budget-conscious and made from pantry staples
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2–3 pita breads, cut into bite-sized squares
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2 cups plain full-fat yogurt
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1 tbsp cornstarch (or 1 egg white) to stabilize the yogurt
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt to taste
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp pine nuts (or slivered almonds)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Baking sheet or air fryer (for toasting bread)
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Small saucepan
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Whisk and ladle
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Frying pan (for pine nuts)
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Serving bowls
Additions & Substitutions
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🧆 Add cooked chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken for protein.
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🧈 Use ghee instead of butter for a nutty depth.
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🌿 Top with chopped parsley, mint, or a sprinkle of sumac.
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🌱 Vegan? Use plant-based yogurt and olive oil instead of butter.
How to Make Lebanese Shish Barak Fatteh
Step 1: Toast the Pita
Cut the pita into small squares and toast them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Alternatively, air fry them at 350°F for 6 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
In a saucepan, whisk the yogurt with cornstarch or egg white over low-medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir constantly until it’s warm and slightly thickened. Add salt to taste.
Step 3: Fry the Pine Nuts
In a small pan, melt the butter and gently toast the pine nuts until golden. Don’t walk away — they brown fast!
Step 4: Assemble the Fatteh
Place toasted pita in a bowl. Pour the hot yogurt sauce over it. Top with melted butter and pine nuts. Garnish with parsley or a touch of sumac, if desired.
What to Serve With It
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A side of tabbouleh or cucumber yogurt salad
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Warm lentil soup for a full Levantine meal
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Fresh mint tea or lemon water
Tips for Perfect Shish Barak Fatteh
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Whisk the yogurt continuously to prevent curdling.
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Add yogurt gradually to the heat — don’t rush it!
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Toast pita until truly crispy — it softens once yogurt is added.
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Make right before serving to preserve texture.
Storage Instructions
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Fridge: Store components separately for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Gently warm the yogurt sauce in a saucepan.
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Don’t freeze: Yogurt sauces can split when thawed.
Quick Info
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Serves: 2–3
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Skill Level: Easy
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Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Levantine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, but thin it slightly with water for a pourable consistency.
What if I don’t have pine nuts?
Slivered almonds or even toasted sunflower seeds work well!
Is this dish spicy?
Nope — but you can add a pinch of Aleppo pepper or chili oil if you'd like a kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Shish Barak Fatteh, you’re in for a treat. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a family secret — humble ingredients coming together to create something deeply comforting. Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or discovering this for the first time, this recipe wraps you up in warmth and flavor.
🥣 Want more cozy, creamy Levantine flavors?
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Laban Immo (Meat in Yogurt Sauce)
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Fattet Hummus
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Eggplant Yogurt Dip (Baba Ghanoush)
📸 Tried It?
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🍽 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 10g
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Fat: 18g
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Carbs: 28g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g