Keto Machboos Dajaj (with Cauliflower Rice)
Spiced Chicken with Cauliflower Rice and Toasted Nuts
Yes, with a tweak: replace basmati rice with riced cauliflower. About 13g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Qatari food, so watch the portion.
What it is
Machboos Dajaj is Qatar's national dish, a fragrant spiced chicken and rice dish. This keto version substitutes traditional basmati rice with seasoned riced cauliflower, cooked with succulent chicken, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic Qatari spices, often garnished with toasted nuts.
Key ingredients
Whole chicken or chicken pieces, riced cauliflower, onions, garlic, ginger, dried limes (loomi), Qatari spice mix (turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper), minimal tomato paste/fresh tomato, chicken broth, ghee/oil, toasted almonds/pine nuts (for garnish).
How to make it keto
Replace basmati rice with riced cauliflower. Request minimal tomato paste or fresh tomatoes, and ensure no added sugar to the sauce. Confirm nuts are not sugar-coated.
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
الكيتو مجبوس دجاج مع أرز القرنبيط، أريد القليل من معجون الطماطم أو الطماطم الطازجة. تأكد أن الصلصة بدون سكر مضاف. وتأكد أن المكسرات غير مغطاة بالسكر.
For the Keto Machboos Dajaj with cauliflower rice, minimal tomato paste or fresh tomatoes. Ensure no added sugar in the sauce. Confirm nuts are not sugar-coated.
Watch out for
High quantities of tomatoes, hidden sugars in spice blends or sauces, and potential starch/thickener in broth or sauce.
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 Qatari menuAll 250 Qatari dishes ›
