Khoresh Bademjan
Eggplant and Meat Stew
Yes, with a tweak: request no rice (polo) or bread (nan). About 15g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Iranian food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A hearty and tangy stew featuring tender chunks of lamb or beef, fried eggplant, and tomatoes, often flavored with sour grapes (ghooreh) or lemon juice.
Key ingredients
Lamb/beef, eggplant, tomatoes, onion, garlic, tomato paste, sour grapes (ghooreh) or lemon juice, olive oil/butter, turmeric, salt, black pepper.
How to make it keto
Request no rice (polo) or bread (nan). While tomatoes and eggplant have carbs, a standard portion is usually manageable; ask for a smaller portion if highly carb-sensitive.
Say this to the waiter (Persian)
خورش بادمجان بدون پلو و نان لطفا. یک پرس کوچکتر.
For the Khoresh Bademjan, please no rice, no bread, and a smaller portion.
Watch out for
Tomato paste, fresh tomatoes, eggplant, and ghooreh (sour grapes) contribute to carb count; potential sugar added to balance sourness in some recipes.
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.
More on the Iranian menuAll 171 Iranian dishes ›
