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.
53 matching dishes
Rosto
Iraqi Style Roast Beef/Lamb (without gravy or potatoes)
A classic Iraqi roast, typically beef or lamb, slow-roasted until tender and flavorful, often seasoned simply …
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein60 fat800 kcal
Samak Maqli
Pan-Fried Fish (unbreaded, with keto sides)
Fresh white fish fillets, seasoned with Iraqi spices and pan-fried to a golden crisp. Modified by ensuring no …
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Shorbat Laham (Clear Lamb Soup)
Clear Lamb Soup
A comforting and nourishing broth-based soup featuring tender chunks of slow-cooked lamb, lightly spiced with …
4 net5 total1 fibre70 protein35 fat600 kcal
Dajaj Mashwi
Iraqi Roasted Chicken with Keto Sides
A whole roasted chicken, marinated with Middle Eastern spices and herbs, cooked until golden brown and tender.…
5 net7 total2 fibre90 protein60 fat950 kcal
Shish Tawook
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Tender cubes of chicken breast or thigh marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and Middle Eastern spices, t…
5 net7 total2 fibre60 protein40 fat650 kcal
Keto Arayes (Grilled Meat Patties)
Grilled Lamb & Beef Patties, Arayes-Style
Spiced ground lamb and beef patties, grilled to perfection, reflecting the rich flavor profile of traditional …
6 net8 total2 fibre65 protein55 fat750 kcal
Keto Kubba Shifta
Keto Iraqi Meatballs (Pan-Fried)
Flattened, seasoned ground beef and lamb meatballs, traditionally pan-fried or baked. Modified to be keto by u…
6 net8 total2 fibre65 protein60 fat800 kcal
Keto Makhroota (Stewed Lamb Intestines)
Stewed Lamb Intestines
Carefully cleaned lamb intestines, slow-stewed until exceptionally tender in a rich, savory broth, typically f…
6 net8 total2 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Katif Ghanam Matbukh (Keto Modified)
Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder (Keto)
A large portion of succulent lamb shoulder, slow-cooked until incredibly tender and falling off the bone, seas…
7 net12 total5 fibre80 protein85 fat1000 kcal
Keto Lahm bil Agin (Spiced Meat Bake)
Spiced Lamb & Beef Bake (Lahm bil Agin Style)
A savory baked dish featuring a rich mixture of spiced ground lamb and beef, diced tomatoes, and onions, prepa…
7 net10 total3 fibre70 protein60 fat800 kcal
Makhlama
Iraqi Scrambled Eggs with Minced Meat
A popular and hearty Iraqi breakfast dish consisting of scrambled eggs cooked with seasoned minced lamb or bee…
7 net10 total3 fibre60 protein55 fat750 kcal
Shorbat Dajaj
Iraqi Chicken Soup (Keto-Style, No Carbs)
A comforting and flavorful Iraqi chicken broth-based soup, prepared with tender shredded chicken and low-carb …
7 net10 total3 fibre40 protein40 fat550 kcal
Deconstructed Shawarma Plate (Lamb or Chicken)
Deconstructed Shawarma Plate (Lamb or Chicken) with Keto Sides
Thinly sliced, marinated and slow-roasted lamb or chicken shawarma, served without bread. Accompanied by fresh…
8 net12 total4 fibre75 protein58 fat850 kcal
Iraqi Tikka
Grilled Lamb Chunks
Tender chunks of marinated lamb (or sometimes beef), skewered and grilled until juicy and flavorful. The marin…
8 net10 total2 fibre75 protein65 fat900 kcal
Iraqi Kabab
Grilled Minced Lamb & Beef Skewers
Skewers of finely minced lamb and beef, seasoned with grated onions and traditional Iraqi spices, then grilled…
9 net12 total3 fibre70 protein60 fat850 kcal
Kishkash (Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)
Iraqi Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Flavorful Iraqi lamb meatballs, seasoned with aromatic spices and simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce until…
10 net15 total5 fibre50 protein58 fat750 kcal
Ma'alooof
Yogurt-Braised Lamb (Served without Rice)
A savory Iraqi dish featuring tender lamb pieces slowly braised in a creamy, tangy full-fat yogurt sauce, seas…
10 net12 total2 fibre65 protein80 fat1000 kcal
Kilawi bil Tamata
Lamb Kidneys with Tomato Sauce
A robust Iraqi offal dish featuring lamb kidneys sautéed and then simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with…
11 net15 total4 fibre45 protein50 fat700 kcal
Mulukhiyah
Jute Mallow Stew with Chicken (without rice)
A distinctive and flavorful stew made from finely chopped jute mallow leaves (mulukhiyah), slow-cooked with te…
11 net18 total7 fibre50 protein48 fat680 kcal
Qeema
Iraqi Spiced Minced Lamb/Beef Stew (No Rice)
A rich and deeply flavored minced lamb or beef stew, slow-cooked in a spiced tomato base, often with dried bla…
11 net18 total7 fibre60 protein60 fat820 kcal
Fasoolia Bil Lahm
Green Bean and Lamb Stew (without rice)
A hearty Iraqi stew featuring tender lamb chunks slow-cooked with fresh green beans in a rich tomato-based sau…
12 net20 total8 fibre55 protein55 fat750 kcal
Keto Sheesh Barak (Meatballs in Yogurt Sauce)
Keto Meatballs in Minted Garlic Yogurt Sauce
A keto-modified version of the beloved Iraqi dish, featuring savory, carb-binder-free lamb or beef meatballs s…
12 net15 total3 fibre60 protein55 fat780 kcal
Kibdat Dajaj bil Dibs Rumman
Chicken Liver with Pomegranate Molasses
A vibrant Iraqi dish of sautéed chicken liver, often cooked with onions and flavored with a touch of tart pome…
14 net18 total4 fibre45 protein55 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Kibbeh Nayyeh (Keto Modified, no bulgur)
Spiced Raw Lamb Tartare
A keto adaptation of the classic Levantine dish, featuring very finely minced fresh lean lamb (or beef), seaso…
3 net5 total2 fibre50 protein38 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Haneeth Ghanam (bidoun Timman)
Slow-Cooked Spiced Lamb (Haneeth-style, without rice)
Exquisitely tender lamb, slow-cooked for hours to achieve a fall-off-the-bone texture. Seasoned generously wit…
4 net6 total2 fibre75 protein65 fat900 kcal
KAsoon
Barg Dajaj Mashwi
Grilled Chicken Fillet/Breast with Keto Sides
Tender, marinated boneless chicken fillet or breast, expertly grilled to perfection. Known for its succulent t…
5 net7 total2 fibre60 protein28 fat520 kcal
KAsoon
Shorbat Makhlouta (Keto Modified)
Clear Mixed Offal Broth
A hearty, clear broth soup made with various types of lean mixed offal (e.g., small pieces of liver, kidney, h…
5 net7 total2 fibre45 protein28 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Khamoukh Laham (Keto Modified)
Sour Lamb Stew (without fruits)
A distinctive Iraqi stew renowned for its tangy and zesty flavor profile. This keto modified version features …
6 net10 total4 fibre55 protein48 fat650 kcal
KAsoon
Sak Ghanam Matbukh
Braised Lamb Shank (No Rice)
Tender lamb shank, slow-cooked until it falls off the bone. Often braised with a blend of warming Iraqi spices…
6 net8 total2 fibre70 protein58 fat800 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Fawaregh (Lamb Intestines Stuffed with Spiced Meat)
A traditional Iraqi delicacy of cleaned lamb intestines, typically stuffed with a spiced ground lamb mixture (…
7 net10 total3 fibre65 protein45 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Kubba Hamidh
Sour Meatball Soup
A tangy and hearty soup made with savory meatballs cooked in a sour broth, typically flavored with lemon and s…
7 net10 total3 fibre50 protein40 fat580 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Samak Sayadiyah (Spiced Fish Fillet)
Keto Sayadiyah Spiced Fish Fillet
A flavorful and aromatic fish fillet (e.g., cod, snapper, or sea bass) generously seasoned with traditional Sa…
7 net10 total3 fibre60 protein35 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Dajaj Mahshi
Keto Stuffed Chicken with Cauliflower Rice and Nuts
A whole chicken or large chicken pieces (like thighs/breasts) deboned and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of …
8 net12 total4 fibre60 protein55 fat780 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Khashkhash (Iraqi Baked Egg Frittata with Herbs and Meat)
Keto Iraqi Baked Egg Frittata with Herbs and Meat
A thick, baked Iraqi egg dish, similar to a frittata or a savory baked omelet. This keto-modified version feat…
8 net12 total4 fibre45 protein40 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Lisan bil Hamod
Lamb Tongue in Tangy Lemon Sauce
Tender pieces of slow-cooked lamb tongue, prepared in a rich and tangy sauce primarily flavored with fresh lem…
8 net10 total2 fibre65 protein75 fat950 kcal
KAsoon
Shirkhot
Dried Lamb/Beef Stew
A rich and deeply flavorful Iraqi stew prepared with rehydrated and slow-cooked dried lamb or beef, giving it …
8 net12 total4 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
KAsoon
Iraqi Lamb and Vegetable Stew (No Bread/Rice)
Iraqi Lamb and Vegetable Stew
A hearty Iraqi stew featuring tender chunks of lamb slow-cooked with a selection of low-carb vegetables like z…
9 net14 total5 fibre55 protein55 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Tihall Mahshi (Keto Modified)
Stuffed Spleen with Spiced Meat (Keto Modified)
Lamb or beef spleen, carefully cleaned and then stuffed with a highly seasoned mixture of ground meat (often l…
9 net12 total3 fibre75 protein70 fat980 kcal
KAsoon
Jambaliyah
Chicken with Onions and Sumac (no bread)
Succulent chicken pieces cooked slowly with caramelized onions, tangy sumac, and warm spices. This dish is oft…
10 net15 total5 fibre55 protein40 fat620 kcal
KAsoon
Kibdat Dajaj bil Tamata Wal Felfel (كبدة دجاج بالطماطم والفلفل)
Chicken Liver Sauté with Tomatoes and Peppers
Succulent chicken livers sautéed with fresh tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a blend of ar…
10 net15 total5 fibre45 protein30 fat500 kcal
KAsoon
Sagan Laham (No Rice/Bread)
Iraqi Lamb Stew in a Pan (Keto-style)
A robust and flavorful stew of tender lamb pieces (often shoulder or shank) simmered with onions, garlic, bell…
10 net16 total6 fibre65 protein58 fat810 kcal
KAsoon
Deconstructed Tashreeb Laham
Tender Lamb and Savory Broth (without bread)
A deconstructed version of the classic Iraqi 'Tashreeb,' focusing solely on the tender, slow-cooked lamb in a …
11 net15 total4 fibre60 protein50 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Hamsa Bandora bil Laham
Tomato and Meat Scramble/Stew
A savory Iraqi scramble or stew featuring tender pieces of lamb or beef sautéed with fresh tomatoes, onions, g…
11 net15 total4 fibre55 protein45 fat650 kcal
KAsoon
Hamsa Qalb wa Kibda
Sautéed Lamb Heart and Liver
A hearty Iraqi sauté of tender lamb heart and liver, stir-fried with onions, bell peppers, and a rich blend of…
11 net15 total4 fibre60 protein55 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Hamsa Qawans Dajaj
Chicken Gizzard Sauté
A hearty and flavorful sauté featuring tender chicken gizzards. The gizzards are typically simmered until tend…
11 net14 total3 fibre50 protein38 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Kaliya Fawaregh bil Baharat
Sautéed Lamb Intestines with Spices
Thoroughly cleaned and prepared lamb intestines, skillfully sautéed (kaliya) with a robust blend of Iraqi spic…
11 net15 total4 fibre60 protein45 fat700 kcal
KAsoon
Kilawi wa Kibda bil Basal
Sautéed Kidneys and Liver with Onions
A flavorful Iraqi offal dish where lamb or beef kidneys and liver are pan-fried with caramelized onions and tr…
11 net15 total4 fibre60 protein45 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
Hamsa Bamia bil Laham (Sauteed Okra with Lamb/Beef)
Sauteed Okra and Lamb/Beef (No Tomato Sauce)
Unlike the traditional tomato-based okra stew, this 'Hamsa' preparation involves lightly sautéing fresh okra p…
12 net18 total6 fibre45 protein50 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
Kilawi bil Loobia Khadra
Kidneys with Green Beans
A savory sauté or stew featuring lamb or beef kidneys cooked with fresh green beans in a light tomato-based sa…
12 net18 total6 fibre60 protein65 fat880 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Basal Mahshi
Keto Stuffed Onions with Spiced Meat
Whole onions are parboiled and carefully peeled apart to form layers, then stuffed with a highly seasoned mixt…
13 net18 total5 fibre45 protein45 fat650 kcal
KAsoon
Kibdat Ghanam bil Felfel
Sautéed Lamb Liver with Bell Peppers
A robust and flavorful dish featuring tender lamb liver pan-fried with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, …
14 net18 total4 fibre55 protein48 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
Dajaj Bil Zaytoun wal Felfel
Braised Chicken with Olives and Bell Peppers
Tender chicken pieces braised in a savory sauce with an abundance of green olives, colorful bell peppers, onio…
15 net20 total5 fibre55 protein55 fat720 kcal
KAsoon
Margat Silq bil Laham (Keto Modified)
Chard and Lamb Stew (No Rice)
A savory stew featuring tender lamb chunks cooked with nutrient-rich Swiss chard, flavored with garlic, onions…
15 net22 total7 fibre50 protein55 fat720 kcal