🥙🔥 Chef Janine’s Keto Kofta Kabobs
- ketogenicfasting
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Fragrant, smoky, and boldly spiced, kofta kabobs (also spelled köfte kebabs) have long graced tables from the shores of Greece and the mountains of Armenia to the streets of Istanbul and cities across the Middle East and North Africa.
✨ A Journey Through History
Legendary Filibe Köftecisi – A Timeless Icon
One of Istanbul’s oldest and most authentic köfte restaurants
This establishment is Istanbul’s heart and soul of köfte craftsmanship. With its compact and cozy setting that visitors cherish, it has been a gathering place for writers, journalists, and even Ottoman-era political figures like Talat and Kasım Paşa.
Heritage & Impaccable Legacy
Founded in 1893 by Mehmet Saltuk—a migrant from Plovdiv (referred to in Turkish as "Filibe")—this Sirkeci institution remains in its original family hands since the late Ottoman era.
Today, it’s run by the fifth generation, Duygu and Cem Umut Erpak, descendants of Saltuk.
This establisment is definitely a must-visit destination for lovers of Turkish cuisine and cultural heritage👨🏻🍳
Authentic Recipe & Menu Highlights
The charm lies in its simplicity: juicy beef köfte made by hand, using just ground beef, onion, cumin, salt—and nothing else.
Baked fresh daily and grilled over coal, these meatballs are round, succulent, and bursting with flavor.
Fun Fact: This exact kofte recipe is the mother of Swedish meatballs!
🥩 Our Comfort Keto Twist
Now reimagined for the keto lifestyle, these kabobs combine centuries-old tradition with low-carb innovation—without sacrificing a bit of flavor.
✅ Clean Protein
We use an equal blend of grass-fed ground beef and free-range lamb, both free of hormones and antibiotics.
🍃 Herbal Brightness
We fold in fresh parsley, known for:
🌱 Anti-cancer angiogenesis-inhibiting properties
🛡️ Vitamin C & K boost
✨ Natural detox support
🌶️ Chef Janine's Authentic Spice Blend
Infused with warm Middle Eastern spices:
Sumac – tangy, lemony, antioxidant-rich
Garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika – for bold, savory depth
🥚 Low-Carb Binding
Keeping each serving gluten-free and keto-compliant, Chef Janine swaps out breadcrumbs for:
Almond flour
Lupin flour or chia seeds
🍽️ Ingredients & Benefits Table
🥘 Ingredient | 🌟 Keto-Friendly Benefits |
Grass-fed Ground Beef | High in omega-3s, iron, and clean protein |
Free-range Lamb | High in omega-3s, iron, and clean protein |
Onion & Garlic | Antioxidant-rich & anti-inflammatory |
Fresh Parsley | Vitamin K, angiogenesis inhibitor |
Free-range Egg | Natural emulsifier, rich in healthy fats |
Double-strained Greek Yogurt | Probiotics + high protein, low in carbs |
Chia Seeds | Fiber-rich, supports digestion & satiety |
Cucumbers & Tomato | Hydrating, refreshing, and low in carbs |
Almonds | Healthy fats & vitamin E |
Tahini | Calcium, iron, and healthy monounsaturated fats |
Olive Oil | Anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy |
Feta, Cottage & Cheddar | Rich in calcium, protein, and flavor |
Himalayan Pink Salt | Mineral-rich seasoning |
Herbs & Spices | Bold flavor + anti-inflammatory compounds |
📊 Nutritional Values & Health Benefits per Serving
🔢 Nutritional Info | ⚖️ Value |
Calories | 467 kcal |
Net Carbs | 4g |
Protein | 30g (est.) |
Healthy Fats | 35g (est.) |
Fiber | 5g (est.) |
💪 General Health Benefits
✅ Supports metabolic health
✅ Promotes fat burning & ketosis
✅ Stabilizes blood sugar
✅ Satisfies without spiking insulin
✅ Full of anti-inflammatory nutrients
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
🥬 Serve over a bed of chopped romaine, arugula, or baby spinach
🧄 Drizzle with extra tzatziki or tahini
🌯 Wrap in your favorite low-carb flatbread
🍆🥒 Pair with oven-roasted eggplant or zucchini wedges
🌿 Sprinkle sumac and fresh parsley over the top before serving
🧺 Wholesome Sides — Without the Guilt
Each serving includes chef-crafted Mediterranean-style, nourishing sides made keto:
🧄 Greek-inspired Minty Garlic Tzatziki – Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, olive oil & fresh mint
🥗 Lebanese-inspired Keto Tabbouleh – Parsley, tomato, cucumber, onion, olive oil & lemon (no bulgur!)
🌰 Cauliflower Hummus with Tahini (or Israel-inspired peeled chickpea version available upon request)
🫓 Middle Eastern Low-Carb Flatbread – Made with almond and coconut flour
🥤 Drink Pairings
✨ Keep it keto with these refreshing options:
🍹 Drink | 🌿 Flavor Profile |
Sparkling Mint Lemon Water | Bright, zesty, and refreshing 🍋🌱 |
Iced Hibiscus Tea | Tart, cooling, and antioxidant-rich 🌺🧊 |
Cucumber-Lime Electrolyte | Hydrating with a citrus twist 🥒🍈 |
Dry Keto White Wine | Pair with feta and sumac notes 🍷 |
❄️ Freezer-Friendly Favorite
Chef Janine’s keto kofta kabobs freeze beautifully for up to 6 weeks. Prep once, enjoy a gourmet meal anytime—even on your busiest nights.
You can discover more about Turkish cuisine at https://culinarybackstreets.com/category/cities-category/istanbul/
Did You Know?
🎩 The world-famous Swedish meatball has roots in this very dish!
When King Charles XII returned from exile in the Ottoman Empire in the early 1700s, he brought this kofte recipe back with him to Sweden—where it was adapted into the creamy, savory meatballs we know today.
🧆 From the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, Chef Janine’s Keto Kofta Kabobs—paired with the most delicious side dishes from the Middle East—carry a rich legacy of flavor, thoughtfully refined for your health and your table.
Stay updated on when this delicious dish will be on the menu by visiting our website: www.myketopal.com.
Bon Appétit!
Chef Janine
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