Varkenswangetjes
Braised Pork Cheeks with Keto Vegetables
Yes, with a tweak: request no potatoes, mashed potatoes, or frites. About 10g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Belgian food, so watch the portion.
What it is
Tender pork cheeks slow-braised until fork-tender in a rich, savory sauce, often beer-based. Traditionally served with mashed potatoes or frites, which need to be replaced with keto-friendly vegetables.
Key ingredients
Pork cheeks, beef stock, sometimes dark beer, onions, carrots, celery, herbs (thyme, bay leaf), butter, seasoning. Served with keto-friendly green vegetables.
How to make it keto
Request no potatoes, mashed potatoes, or frites. Ask for a side of green vegetables (e.g., broccoli, green beans, cauliflower) instead. Confirm the sauce is not thickened with flour or sugar. Be aware of the carb contribution from carrots and onions in the stew.
Say this to the waiter (Dutch)
Graag zonder aardappelen of frietjes. Kan ik er groene groenten bij krijgen? Is de saus zeker niet gebonden met bloem of suiker?
No potatoes or frites, please. Could I have green vegetables instead? Please confirm the sauce is not thickened with flour or sugar.
Watch out for
Sauce thickened with flour or sugar, use of root vegetables (carrots, onions) in the stew base, high-carb side dishes (puree, potatoes, bread), some beers used in braising can contain higher residual sugars.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
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