Libyan Meatballs in Yogurt Sauce (Keto-Style)
Keto Meatballs in Minted Yogurt Sauce
Yes, with a tweak: the traditional dish uses a dough wrapper for dumplings. About 10g net carbs per serving.
What it is
A keto interpretation of a traditional Libyan dish (often Shish Barak), featuring seasoned lamb or beef meatballs simmered in a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce infused with fresh mint and garlic. The meatballs are rich and juicy, complemented by the bright sauce.
Key ingredients
Ground lamb or beef, onion, garlic, fresh mint, spices (e.g., allspice, cinnamon, black pepper), full-fat plain yogurt, olive oil, egg yolk (for stability).
How to make it keto
CRITICAL: The traditional dish uses a dough wrapper for dumplings. Request that only the seasoned meatball filling be served, either as small meatballs directly in the sauce or without any wrapper. Confirm the yogurt sauce contains no added sugar or thickeners other than egg yolk (request omission of cornstarch or flour).
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
لكفتة ليبية بصلصة الزبادي، من فضلك قدم الكفتة بدون أي غلاف. صلصة الزبادي بدون سكر أو نشا أو طحين.
For Libyan Meatballs, please serve only the meatball filling without any wrapper. Yogurt sauce needs no added sugar, cornstarch, or flour.
Watch out for
Carbs from onions in meatballs, and natural lactose in yogurt. Potential for added thickeners (cornstarch, flour) in the yogurt sauce or added sugar. Ensure no flour/starch in meatballs.
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 Libyan menuAll 203 Libyan dishes ›
