Quzi
Slow-Cooked Lamb
Yes, with a tweak: ask for just the lamb, explicitly stating NO RICE and NO GARNISH (nuts, raisins, peas) which are traditionally served on top. About 6g net carbs per serving, lower than 6 in 10 Iraqi dishes.
What it is
A celebratory dish featuring a large cut of lamb (often a shoulder or leg), slow-cooked until exceptionally tender, often falling off the bone and infused with aromatic spices.
Key ingredients
Lamb (shoulder, leg, or whole), onions, garlic, various spices (e.g., bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric), olive oil or ghee.
How to make it keto
Crucially, ask for just the lamb, explicitly stating NO RICE and NO GARNISH (nuts, raisins, peas) which are traditionally served on top.
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
قوزي من فضلك، فقط اللحم. بدون رز وبدون زينة تماماً (لا مكسرات ولا زبيب ولا بازلاء).
Quzi, please. Just the lamb meat, no rice. And no garnish (nuts, raisins, peas).
Watch out for
Traditionally served over a large bed of high-carb rice. Garnish often includes raisins and nuts, which are high in carbs. Ensure no sugary rubs or marinades are used.
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 ›
