Top 7 Syrian Lamb Dishes

Shakriyeh is a traditional stew made with lamb cooked in a tangy yogurt-based sauce. The meat is simmered with garlic and onions, and then blended with a smooth yogurt sauce flavored with spices such as cinnamon or cloves. It's typically served over rice or alongside bulgur and is a popular dish during family gatherings and special occasions. The creamy, rich sauce and tender meat make shakriyeh a comforting, flavorful meal in Syrian cuisine.Expand

Ouzi is a Syrian phyllo pastry pie filled with a mix of lamb, rice, peas and carrots, seasoned with bay leaves, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper, and salt. It is served warm with yogurt and fresh salad and is usually followed by a serving of muhallabia or rice pudding. The dish can be prepared in various sizes, from a large main course to smaller portions suitable for finger food, making it versatile for different serving purposes.Expand

Kabab be al-karaz is a traditional and beloved Syrian dish of lamb kebab and cherries, especially popular in the city of Aleppo. It is made from minced meat mixed with onions and sour cherries (St. Lucie cherries traditionally), cooked with sugar and either ghee or butter until tender. The meat is shaped into balls or patties and then fried until browned. Cherry sauce is added to the kebab, and the mixture is cooked together until the flavors meld. The dish is garnished with toasted pine nuts and parsley and served with Syrian bread or rice, offering a unique taste that combines sour and sweet flavors. The dish is also popular in neighboring countries, like Armenia, Izrael, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and parts of Türkiye.Expand

Basmashkat is a dish of traditional Middle Eastern meat rolls, particularly popular in Syrian and Lebanese cuisine. It consists of thin slices of meat, typically lamb or beef, which are stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, spices, nuts, and rice. The stuffed meat rolls are then tied or secured, cooked, and often simmered in a flavorful sauce. The dish is usually served as part of a larger meal, often accompanied by rice or vegetables, and is popular for festive occasions and family gatherings.Expand

Majamir is a traditional dish from the Yabroud region of Syria. The dish consists of a nest-shaped pastry filled with a mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, onions, and eggs. The dough is made with flour, water, oil, and salt, rolled into small balls, shaped into nests, and filled with the meat mixture. After baking, the result is a delicious savory pastry with a golden crust, often enjoyed as a main dish or appetizer.Expand

Kabab banjan is an Aleppan specialty combining grilled eggplant and ground beef or lamb kebabs. Thick eggplant slices are alternated with seasoned meat patties on skewers, then grilled over an open flame to develop a rich charred flavor. The skewers are baked with a splash of water after grilling, allowing the eggplant to finish cooking while absorbing the meat's juices. Variations include potatoes, peppers, and spices like cumin or nutmeg. The dish is often served with roasted tomatoes, rice, or pita bread, creating a flavorful and hearty meal.Expand

Maajouka is a traditional Syrian meat patty made with ground meat (lamb or beef) mixed with spices and herbs. It is shaped into round or oval patties and filled with sauteed vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms and cheese like mozzarella or halloumi. The filling can also have pine nuts or pistachios. The patties are baked and, once done, served with rice, freekeh, or French fries. It is often served at weddings and special occasions.Expand