Madfouna
Slow-Cooked Lamb with Keto Sides
Yes, with a tweak: explicitly request no rice, potatoes, or bread. About 3g net carbs per serving, lower than 9 in 10 Libyan dishes.
What it is
Extremely tender, slow-cooked lamb (often a shoulder or leg) that has been traditionally 'buried' (madfouna) and roasted, seasoned with minimal spices, resulting in a rich, succulent flavor. Traditionally served with rice or bread.
Key ingredients
Lamb shoulder/leg, olive oil, salt, black pepper, turmeric, cumin (optional), bay leaves (optional).
How to make it keto
Explicitly request no rice, potatoes, or bread. Ask for a side of non-starchy steamed or grilled vegetables (e.g., grilled zucchini, sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus).
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
مدفونة، من فضلكم بدون رز أو بطاطا أو خبز. أرغب بخضار غير نشوية مطهوة على البخار أو مشوية كطبق جانبي، مثل الكوسا أو السبانخ.
For Madfouna, please no rice, potatoes, or bread. Serve with a side of non-starchy steamed or grilled vegetables, like zucchini or spinach.
Watch out for
Accompaniments like rice, potatoes, or bread. Some restaurants might use a glaze or rub with sugar. Hidden sugars in spice blends.
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 ›
