Makdous Fatteh
The queen of Levantine fatteh and a time-honoured Damascene dish: small aubergines stuffed with minced meat and pine nuts, resting on toasted bread with a yoghurt, tahini and garlic sauce. The rich combination of protein and fat slows the absorption of the bread, with a medium glycemic index (≈55).
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Have a moderate portion with a spoon as a cheerful main meal, start with a green salad to fill up, and rely on the protein from the meat and yoghurt for fullness.
Best preparation methods
Toast the bread in the oven instead of frying it, roast the aubergines rather than deep-frying them, and use low-fat yoghurt mixed with a little natural tahini to lighten the calories.
Important Nutritional Note
Makdous fatteh is a rich, complete, energy-dense meal thanks to the protein in meat and yoghurt and the fibre in aubergine; keeping the toasted bread moderate makes it much easier on blood sugar.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (250 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g | 17.5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 18 g | 45 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 15 g | 37.5 g |
| Fat | 9 g | 22.5 g |
| Dietary fibre | 3 g | 7.5 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Arabic dishes with a glycemic index (24), it ranks 23 (lowest first).
Lower-GI alternatives:
Frequently asked questions
Is Makdous Fatteh good for weight loss?
It can be included in moderation: it contains 3 g of fibre per 100 g, which supports fullness, and a 250 g portion gives 450 kcal.
How does Makdous Fatteh affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 55 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 250 g portion has a glycemic load of 20.6 (High), so it is best to reduce or split the portion and combine it with protein and fibre.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Makdous Fatteh?
A typical 250 g portion of Makdous Fatteh provides about 450 kcal, 17.5 g protein, 45 g carbohydrate, 22.5 g fat and 7.5 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.