Eggplant Manzaleh with Minced Meat
Levantine manzaleh (aubergine with minced meat) is a popular home-style tray that layers roasted aubergine with spiced minced meat, natural tomato sauce and pine nuts. It has a low glycemic index (clinically reviewed estimate ≈32) and makes a warm, filling meal that is gentle on insulin.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Eat it straight with a fork as a main lunch dish with a fresh green salad, and avoid dipping white bread to protect your blood sugar.
Best preparation methods
Roast the aubergine slices in the oven or air fryer with a little olive oil instead of frying them, so they don't soak up too much oil.
Important Nutritional Note
Aubergine skin is rich in the powerful antioxidant nasunin, which protects brain cell membranes and helps bind excess, harmful iron.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (250 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 175 kcal | 437.5 kcal |
| Protein | 10.5 g | 26.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 11 g | 27.5 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 7.2 g | 18 g |
| Fat | 10.5 g | 26.2 g |
| Dietary fibre | 3.8 g | 9.5 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Arabic dishes with a glycemic index (37), it ranks 8 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is aubergine manzaleh suitable for dieting and diabetes?
Absolutely, if the aubergine is roasted: its glycemic index is very low (≈32) and the aubergine fibre gives great fullness for moderate calories.
How many calories are in a typical portion of manzaleh (250 g)?
The portion contains about 440 kcal, 26 g of protein, 26 g of fat and around 27.5 g of carbohydrate (9.5 g of it fibre).
What is the difference between Levantine manzaleh and Egyptian moussaka?
Manzaleh is built from layers of aubergine with minced meat and pine nuts in a neatly arranged tray, while Egyptian moussaka uses cubed aubergine with peppers and sometimes chickpeas.
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.