Pulpetti (Keto Modified Meatballs)
Maltese Meatballs (Keto-Friendly)
Yes, with a tweak: request no breadcrumbs or flour in the meatballs. About 6g net carbs per serving.
What it is
Flavorful Maltese meatballs made with a mix of ground beef and pork, herbs, garlic, and onion, modified to be keto-friendly by using a carb-free binder instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Typically pan-fried or served in a light tomato sauce.
Key ingredients
Ground beef, ground pork, eggs, parsley, garlic, onion, olive oil, small amount of tomato paste, salt, pepper, keto-friendly binder (e.g., almond flour, crushed pork rinds).
How to make it keto
Request no breadcrumbs or flour in the meatballs. Ensure any accompanying sauce is sugar-free and not thickened with flour. Ask for a side salad or steamed green vegetables instead of potatoes or pasta.
Say this to the waiter (Maltese)
Għall-Pulpetti, jekk jogħġbok mingħajr frak tal-ħobż jew dqiq fil-pulpetti. Kun ċert li z-zalza hi mingħajr zokkor u mhux imqabbda bid-dqiq. Nixtieq insalata jew ħaxix bil-fwar, mhux patata jew għaġin.
For the Pulpetti, no breadcrumbs or flour in meatballs. Sauce must be sugar-free, not flour-thickened. I'd like a side salad or steamed greens, no potatoes or pasta.
Watch out for
Breadcrumbs/flour in traditional preparation, sugar in tomato sauce/paste, high-carb sides (e.g., fries, mashed potato).
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 Maltese menuAll 176 Maltese dishes ›
