Keto List of dishes from the Caucasus

keto caucAsian foods: savoring low-carb delights from the caucasus mountains

The caucasus region, spanning between the black sea and the caspian sea, is home to a rich mosaic of cultures, languages, and of course, cuisines. Countries like Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and parts of Russia (such as Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ossetia) offer a myriad of flavors and dishes. The mountainous terrain and diverse climate zones provide a variety of fresh ingredients which contribute to a culinary tradition with a heavy emphasis on meats, dairy, and fresh vegetables.

Georgia

• Shashlik:

Skewered and grilled meats, particularly lamb or beef, seasoned with traditional spices.

• Keto khachapuri (adapted):

This traditional cheese-filled bread can be adapted by using almond or coconut flour for the dough. The filling typically consists of cheese and eggs.

• Recipe: keto khachapuri

Ingredients:

2 cups almond flour 2 tbsp coconut flour 2 tsp xanthan gum 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs (one for the dough, one for the filling) 1 cup grated cheese (like mozzarella or feta) Salt to taste Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°f (190°c). Mix almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, melted butter, and one egg in a bowl until a dough forms. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them into oval shapes. Place a generous amount of cheese in the center of each oval. Fold the edges of the dough to create a boat shape. Make a well in the cheese and crack an egg into it. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Armenia

• Khorovats:

Armenian-style barbecued or grilled meat, often marinated in yogurt and spices before grilling.

• Jingalov hats (adapted):

A type of flatbread filled with herbs. Use a keto-friendly dough and fill with a mixture of chopped herbs.

Azerbaijan

• Kebabs:

Meat skewers seasoned with local spices and herbs.

• Keto dushbara (adapted):

Traditional soup with small dumplings. For a keto version, make the dumpling wrappers using a mix of almond flour and xanthan gum, and fill them with meat.

parts of Russia

• Zakuski:

A variety of cold appetizers, which can include low-carb options like pickled vegetables, smoked fish, and cured meats.

• Keto chebureki (adapted):

A deep-fried turnover usually filled with minced meat. Use a keto-friendly dough made from almond or coconut flour.