Keto Maqluba (Cauliflower Rice & Eggplant Layered Dish)
Upside-Down Cauliflower Rice and Eggplant with Lamb/Chicken
Yes, with a tweak: ensure cauliflower rice is used instead of traditional rice. About 13g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Iraqi food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A majestic 'upside-down' dish, re-imagined for keto. Layers of pan-fried eggplant slices, tender lamb or chicken, and seasoned cauliflower rice are carefully arranged and cooked in a pot. When inverted onto a serving platter, it reveals beautiful layers of rich flavors and textures, with the cauliflower rice absorbing the savory juices.
Key ingredients
Lamb or chicken (cubed), eggplant (sliced and fried), cauliflower (riced), onions, garlic, tomato (minimal, optional), cooking oil (for frying and layering), chicken or beef broth, salt, black pepper, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, allspice.
How to make it keto
CRITICAL: Ensure cauliflower rice is used instead of traditional rice. Confirm eggplant is fried in keto-friendly oil and not breaded. Request lean meat or bone broth (no flour thickeners).
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
مقلوبة كيتو، لو سمحت تأكد تستخدم رز القرنبيط بدل الرز العادي. الباذنجان مقلي بزيت كيتو وبدون تغليفة. والمرق بدون أي مواد نشوية مكثفة.
For the Keto Maqluba, please ensure cauliflower rice, not traditional rice. Eggplant fried in keto-friendly oil and not breaded. Broth without flour thickeners.
Watch out for
Use of regular rice instead of cauliflower rice, flour in broth, hidden sugar in tomato paste/sauce, breading on eggplant.
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 Iraqi menuAll 262 Iraqi dishes ›
