Sheykh al-Mahshi (Keto Stuffed Zucchini/Eggplant with Yogurt Sauce)
Keto Stuffed Zucchini/Eggplant with Lamb in Yogurt Sauce
No, skip this one: about 16g net carbs per serving, close to a full day's carbs on strict keto. Better picks from the same menu are below.
Order one of these instead
What it is
Hollowed zucchini or eggplant, traditionally stuffed with a savory, spiced ground lamb or beef mixture (modified to be rice-free). These are then gently cooked in a tangy, creamy yogurt-garlic sauce until tender. A traditional and flavorful dish, presented beautifully.
Key ingredients
Zucchini or eggplant, ground lamb or beef, onions, garlic, fresh mint, plain full-fat yogurt, egg (as a stabilizer for yogurt sauce), cornstarch (optional, for sauce thickening, request omission), cooking oil, salt, black pepper, dried mint (for garnish).
If you order it anyway
CRITICAL: Ensure stuffing is ONLY meat and spices (no rice, no bulgur). Confirm yogurt sauce is thickened without starch (e.g., with egg yolk, or simply reduced). Request full-fat, unsweetened yogurt.
If you order it anyway, say this (Arabic)
شيخ المحشي، لو سمحت الحشوة بس لحم وبهارات (بدون رز أو برغل). والمرقة بدون نشا، وبدي لبن دسم كامل وغير محلى.
For the Sheykh al-Mahshi, stuffing must be only meat and spices (no rice or bulgur). Yogurt sauce without starch, and use full-fat, unsweetened yogurt.
Watch out for
Rice or bulgur in the stuffing, cornstarch/flour for thickening the yogurt sauce, low-fat or sweetened yogurt.
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 ›
