Iraqi keto guide
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262 dishes145 keto as served105 with a photo
Keto friendliness
Adapting Iraqi cuisine to keto requires constant vigilance against pervasive carb staples, making an authentic full meal challenging without significant modifications.
Top ingredients
Excellent options include grilled lamb, beef, chicken, and fish (like Masgouf), along with full-fat yogurt, olive oil, and non-starchy vegetables such as eggplant, okra, and tomatoes.
Danger zones
The biggest carb traps are ubiquitous rice (biryani, timman), bulgur (kibbeh, tabouleh), all forms of bread (khubz, pita), and hidden sugars in sauces or desserts.
Best for
This cuisine works best for strict keto dieters who are confident requesting modifications, comfortable focusing solely on grilled meats and select vegetables, and willing to forgo traditional starchy accompaniments.
63 matching dishes · page 1 of 2
Liyat Ghanam Mashwi
Grilled Lamb Fat/Tail
Grilled pieces of pure lamb fat, specifically from the tail (fat-tail sheep), often seasoned simply with salt …
1 net1 total0 fibre15 protein110 fat1050 kcal
Bayd al-Samak Maqli
Pan-Fried Fish Roe
A delicate and rich Iraqi delicacy featuring fish roe, commonly from carp or other freshwater fish, lightly se…
2 net2 total0 fibre40 protein60 fat700 kcal
Hamam Mashwi
Grilled Pigeon/Dove
A traditional Iraqi delicacy, whole grilled pigeon or dove, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and sometimes m…
2 net2 total0 fibre45 protein50 fat650 kcal
Mandaar Matbukh
Boiled Lamb's Head
A traditional and rich dish featuring a boiled lamb's head, cooked until very tender. Often seasoned with mini…
2 net3 total1 fibre70 protein70 fat900 kcal
Samak Mashwi (Grilled Sea Bream/Bass)
Grilled Fish with Herbs (excluding Masgouf)
A whole grilled fish (such as Sea Bream or Bass), generously seasoned with herbs, lemon, and spices, typically…
2 net3 total1 fibre55 protein50 fat700 kcal
Shawareb Matbukh
Boiled Lamb Tripe
Lamb tripe, cleaned and slow-boiled until exceptionally tender. A simple, savory dish often served with its br…
2 net3 total1 fibre80 protein50 fat800 kcal
Tihall Mashwi
Grilled Lamb Spleen
A delicacy in Iraqi cuisine, grilled lamb spleen is simply seasoned and cooked over an open flame or pan-fried…
2 net2 total0 fibre45 protein45 fat600 kcal
A'raq 'Asabi Mashwi
Grilled Iraqi Diaphragm/Skirt Steak (Lamb or Beef)
Tender and flavorful, this dish features marinated lamb or beef diaphragm/skirt steak, expertly grilled to ach…
3 net4 total1 fibre70 protein55 fat750 kcal
Kilawi Mashwi
Grilled Lamb/Beef Kidneys
Succulent skewers of marinated lamb or beef kidneys, grilled rapidly to maintain their tender texture and deve…
3 net4 total1 fibre55 protein30 fat580 kcal
Mokh Maqli
Pan-Fried Lamb Brain
A delicate and rich dish of lamb brain, carefully cleaned and pan-fried with garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic…
3 net4 total1 fibre45 protein68 fat780 kcal
Qawarma
Iraqi Sautéed Preserved Lamb/Beef
A traditional Iraqi dish of sautéed lamb or beef, often made from meat previously preserved in its own fat (re…
3 net4 total1 fibre58 protein85 fat950 kcal
Ra's Ghanam Matbukh
Boiled Lamb Head
Tender lamb head, slow-boiled for hours with aromatic spices until the meat is incredibly soft and falling off…
3 net3 total0 fibre75 protein65 fat850 kcal
Rakabet Ghanam Matbukh
Boiled Lamb Neck
Tender lamb neck, slow-boiled or gently stewed in water with simple spices until falling off the bone. Rich in…
3 net4 total1 fibre60 protein80 fat950 kcal
Samman Mashwi
Grilled Marinated Quail
Whole quail marinated in a vibrant blend of Iraqi spices, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, then perfe…
3 net4 total1 fibre60 protein45 fat650 kcal
Bat Mashwi
Grilled Marinated Duck
Succulent whole duck, generously marinated in a rich blend of Middle Eastern spices, citrus, and garlic, then …
4 net5 total1 fibre70 protein65 fat900 kcal
Baydh al-Kharouf Maqli
Fried Lamb Testicles
A traditional Iraqi delicacy, featuring sliced lamb testicles pan-fried with caramelized onions and a simple b…
4 net6 total2 fibre55 protein40 fat600 kcal
Grilled Lamb Kofta Patties
Spiced ground lamb patties, grilled to perfection, seasoned with finely minced onions, fresh parsley, and a bl…
4 net5 total1 fibre55 protein50 fat700 kcal
Kibda w' Qalb Mashwi
Grilled Lamb/Beef Liver and Heart Skewers
Flavorful skewers of marinated lamb or beef liver and heart, expertly grilled to achieve tender interiors and …
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein35 fat600 kcal
Mokh Bil Baydh
Sautéed Lamb Brain with Scrambled Eggs
A distinct and highly prized Iraqi delicacy, featuring tender lamb brain meticulously sautéed with onions and …
4 net5 total1 fibre40 protein65 fat800 kcal
Pacha
Lamb's Head, Trotters & Tripe Soup
A very traditional and hearty Iraqi soup made from slow-cooked lamb's head, trotters (feet), and tripe, simmer…
4 net5 total1 fibre85 protein70 fat950 kcal
Wazz Mashwi
Grilled Marinated Goose
A whole goose, seasoned with a robust blend of aromatic Iraqi spices, fresh lemon, and olive oil, then grilled…
4 net5 total1 fibre80 protein85 fat1100 kcal
Halloumi Mashwi
Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Thick slices of salty halloumi cheese grilled until golden brown with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, c…
5 net5 total0 fibre35 protein45 fat520 kcal
Khageena
Iraqi Herb and Meat Omelette
A traditional, robust Iraqi omelette, often made with eggs, a generous amount of fresh herbs (such as parsley,…
5 net7 total2 fibre45 protein50 fat650 kcal
Kibdat Dajaj Maqli
Pan-fried Chicken Liver
Chicken livers pan-fried with onions, garlic, and Iraqi spices until perfectly cooked and tender. A flavorful …
5 net7 total2 fibre55 protein48 fat680 kcal
Kilawi Maqli
Pan-fried Lamb Kidneys
Lamb kidneys, typically pan-fried with onions, garlic, and traditional Iraqi spices until tender and slightly …
5 net7 total2 fibre45 protein42 fat580 kcal
Kura' Maqli
Pan-fried Lamb Testicles
Lamb testicles, a delicacy in Iraqi cuisine, are typically pan-fried with onions, garlic, and a blend of savor…
5 net7 total2 fibre45 protein45 fat600 kcal
Lahm Bil Dehen
Lamb/Beef Slow-Cooked in Fat
Tender chunks of lamb or beef, typically from the shoulder or shank, slow-cooked in its own rendered fat and a…
5 net7 total2 fibre70 protein75 fat950 kcal
Lahm Ma' Noomi Basra
Lamb Stew with Dried Lime
A quintessential Iraqi lamb stew distinguished by the unique tangy and earthy flavor imparted by dried black l…
5 net7 total2 fibre70 protein55 fat780 kcal
Nargisya
Eggs with Spinach and Minced Meat
A flavorful Iraqi dish featuring eggs baked or scrambled with sautéed fresh spinach and spiced minced meat, of…
5 net8 total3 fibre48 protein52 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
Zubaidi Mashwi
Grilled Pomfret
A whole Pomfret fish, a prized fish in Iraqi cuisine, seasoned simply with salt, black pepper, and often a tou…
1 net1 total0 fibre70 protein32 fat580 kcal
KAsoon
Bayd al-Samak Mashwi
Grilled Fish Roe
Fresh fish roe, typically from carp or other large freshwater fish common in Iraqi rivers, is carefully season…
2 net2 total0 fibre30 protein28 fat380 kcal
KAsoon
Baydh bil Samn (بيض بالدهن الحر)
Fried Eggs Cooked in Ghee
A classic Iraqi breakfast or light meal consisting of eggs fried generously in authentic Iraqi ghee (clarified…
2 net2 total0 fibre18 protein40 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Khashab
Grilled Lamb Skewers with Fat
Succulent chunks of lamb meat and lamb fat, expertly threaded onto skewers and grilled over charcoal until ten…
2 net3 total1 fibre60 protein55 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Qalb Mashwi
Grilled Lamb Heart
Grilled lamb heart, typically marinated in simple spices like salt, pepper, and sometimes a hint of lemon or s…
2 net2 total0 fibre45 protein32 fat480 kcal
KAsoon
Qawarma bil Baydh
Dried Meat with Eggs
A hearty dish featuring Qawarma, a traditional Iraqi preserved and dried lamb or beef meat (often confit in it…
2 net2 total0 fibre50 protein70 fat850 kcal
KAsoon
Barg Ghanam Mashwi
Grilled Lamb Fillet Skewers
Premium cuts of tender lamb fillet, typically marinated in onion juice, olive oil, and spices, then skewered a…
3 net4 total1 fibre75 protein55 fat780 kcal
KAsoon
Fashit Maqli bil Thoom wal Laymoon
Fried Lamb Tripe with Garlic and Lemon
Pan-fried strips of lamb tripe, cooked until tender yet delightfully chewy, then quickly sautéed with pungent …
3 net3 total0 fibre65 protein35 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Jubna Maqli
Fried White Cheese
A straightforward and delightful Iraqi dish consisting of slices of firm, often salty, white cheese (such as N…
3 net3 total0 fibre25 protein40 fat480 kcal
KAsoon
Kashkaval bil Baydh
Fried Kashkaval Cheese with Eggs
A hearty breakfast or light meal consisting of slices of Kashkaval cheese fried until golden and bubbly, then …
3 net3 total0 fibre35 protein48 fat580 kcal
KAsoon
Mokh Maqli bil Baydh wal Thoom
Lamb Brain Sautéed with Eggs and Garlic
A unique and rich Iraqi delicacy featuring tender lamb brain, delicately pan-fried and quickly sautéed with sc…
3 net4 total1 fibre45 protein70 fat800 kcal
KAsoon
Salat Mokh
Iraqi Brain Salad
A distinctive and rich cold salad made from tender, cooked lamb or beef brains, typically seasoned with lemon …
3 net5 total2 fibre30 protein70 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Sheshwet Kibda
Skewered Lamb Liver
Small cubes of fresh lamb liver marinated simply with spices and olive oil, then skewered and grilled or pan-f…
3 net4 total1 fibre55 protein38 fat580 kcal
KAsoon
Zaytoon ma' Jubna
Marinated Olives and Feta Cheese Plate
A simple and refreshing appetizer or side dish. A selection of brined olives (such as Kalamata or green olives…
3 net5 total2 fibre15 protein38 fat400 kcal
KAsoon
Basterma Platter
Iraqi Cured Beef Platter
Thinly sliced, air-dried, and spiced cured beef, often served as a cold appetizer or part of a mezze spread. B…
4 net5 total1 fibre40 protein30 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Baydh bil Dihin wal Thoom
Eggs with Ghee and Garlic
A simple yet profoundly flavorful Iraqi breakfast or light meal consisting of eggs (fried or scrambled) cooked…
4 net4 total0 fibre22 protein45 fat500 kcal
KAsoon
Dajaj bil Zait wa Baharat
Pan-Roasted Chicken with Olive Oil and Spices
Chicken pieces (often bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks) pan-roasted or baked until crispy and tender, gen…
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein50 fat720 kcal
KAsoon
Kama Maqli
Fried Desert Truffles with Butter and Garlic
A delicacy when in season, Iraqi desert truffles (Kama) are simply pan-fried in butter or olive oil with ample…
4 net9 total5 fibre5 protein42 fat420 kcal
KAsoon
Kibdat Ghanam Mashwi
Grilled Lamb Liver
Tender slices of fresh lamb liver, marinated simply with salt, black pepper, and sometimes a hint of cumin or …
4 net4 total0 fibre60 protein25 fat480 kcal
KAsoon
Kilawi bil Toum wal Hamod
Lamb Kidneys with Garlic and Lemon Sauce
Sautéed lamb kidneys cooked in a pungent, tangy sauce of fresh garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of fresh herbs.…
4 net5 total1 fibre40 protein42 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Mokh Matbukh ma' Baharat
Braised Lamb Brains with Spices
Delicately braised lamb brains, simmered until tender and then seasoned with a robust blend of Iraqi spices su…
4 net5 total1 fibre35 protein50 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Qawarma bil Joz
Preserved Lamb with Walnuts
A rich and indulgent dish featuring Qawarma, which is slow-cooked, rendered, and preserved lamb meat, sautéed …
4 net6 total2 fibre50 protein58 fat700 kcal
KAsoon
Salatat Baqdounis
Fresh Parsley Salad with Lemon and Olive Oil
A simple, refreshing salad made predominantly with finely chopped fresh parsley, dressed with lemon juice and …
4 net6 total2 fibre3 protein25 fat250 kcal
KAsoon
Shankalish
Iraqi Aged Spiced Cheese (Mezze)
A distinct aged and spiced cheese, often made from labneh (strained yogurt) or fresh cheese, then coated in va…
4 net6 total2 fibre15 protein35 fat400 kcal
KAsoon
Sheshwet Kibda Dajaj
Grilled Chicken Liver Skewers
Skewers of marinated chicken liver, grilled until slightly crispy on the outside and tender within. These offe…
4 net6 total2 fibre45 protein30 fat480 kcal
KAsoon
Shorbat Nukh'a
Bone Marrow Soup
A deeply nourishing and flavorful soup made from slowly simmered beef or lamb bones, specifically rich in bone…
4 net5 total1 fibre25 protein45 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Zalata Jarjeer
Fresh Rocket/Arugula Salad
A vibrant and peppery salad made primarily from fresh rocket (arugula) leaves. Dressed simply with lemon juice…
4 net5 total1 fibre2 protein22 fat220 kcal
KAsoon
Araq Asabi bil Feter
Lamb Intestines Sautéed with Mushrooms
Thoroughly cleaned and prepared lamb intestines (araq asabi) sautéed with fresh mushrooms, onions, and often b…
5 net8 total3 fibre45 protein45 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Baydh bil Basterma
Eggs with Cured Beef (Basterma)
A hearty breakfast or light meal consisting of eggs fried with slices of intensely spiced and cured beef (bast…
5 net6 total1 fibre35 protein45 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Ghaimaq
Iraqi Clotted Cream
A rich, thick, and luxurious clotted cream, traditionally served for breakfast. Made from buffalo or cow milk,…
5 net5 total0 fibre3 protein48 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Kilawi Maqli Ma' Felfel Har
Fried Kidneys with Hot Peppers
Lamb or beef kidneys pan-fried to perfection with a generous amount of fresh hot peppers, garlic, and a hint o…
5 net8 total3 fibre50 protein45 fat620 kcal