Hünkar Beğendi (Unsuz Patlıcan Beğendi ile)
Lamb/Beef Stew with Creamy Flour-Free Eggplant Puree
Yes, with a tweak: explicitly request the eggplant puree ('beğendi') to be made without flour ('unsuz') or any other starchy thickeners. About 10g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Turkish food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A luxurious dish consisting of a rich, slow-cooked stew of tender lamb or beef in a savory tomato-based sauce, traditionally served atop a smoky, creamy eggplant puree. The key keto adaptation involves ensuring the eggplant puree is prepared without any flour or starch.
Key ingredients
Lamb/beef stew meat, onions, garlic, green peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, spices (cumin, red pepper flakes). For the puree: smoked eggplant, butter, cheese (often Kasar), heavy cream (or similar full-fat dairy), salt, pepper.
How to make it keto
Explicitly request the eggplant puree ('beğendi') to be made without flour ('unsuz') or any other starchy thickeners. Confirm no sugar is added to the meat stew's tomato base. Request additional butter or cheese in the puree for increased fat content.
Watch out for
Traditional beğendi often uses flour (as a roux) and milk, making it high in carbohydrates. Tomato paste in the stew can contain hidden sugars. Onions and tomatoes in the stew contribute to the total carb count.
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 Turkish menuAll 773 Turkish dishes ›
