Cervello Saltato (Senza Panatura)
Pan-Seared Brains (Unbreaded)
Yes, with a tweak: strictly request 'senza panatura' (without breading/flour). About 2g net carbs per serving, lower than 8 in 10 Italian dishes.
What it is
Brains, typically from veal or lamb, prepared by blanching and then pan-searing until tender and slightly crispy. Usually lightly floured, but can be delicious and keto when pan-seared without.
Key ingredients
Veal or lamb brains, butter, olive oil, lemon, capers, parsley, salt, pepper.
How to make it keto
Strictly request 'senza panatura' (without breading/flour). Ask for pan-seared in butter or olive oil. Confirm no carby accompaniments or sauces with thickeners.
Say this to the waiter (Italian)
Il Cervello Saltato, per favore, senza panatura. Solo saltato in padella con burro o olio d'oliva. Potete confermare che non ci sono contorni amidacei o salse addensate?
For the Cervello Saltato, please, no breading. Just pan-sear it in butter or olive oil. Confirm no carby accompaniments or sauces with thickeners.
Watch out for
As with sweetbreads, the traditional method often includes a flour coating. Absolute clarity is needed to ensure it's omitted. Sauces might contain hidden sugars or thickeners.
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.