Sheikh Al-Mahshi (Zucchini in Yogurt)
Sheikh al-mahshi (courgettes in yoghurt) is a refined, aristocratic dish in which small courgettes are stuffed only with minced meat fried with pine nuts, without a single grain of rice, then simmered in cooked yoghurt. Its glycemic index does not apply because its total starch is low (about 6 g per 100 g), and it is a golden meal for keto and insulin resistance.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Have 3 to 4 courgettes with the yoghurt, eaten with a spoon as a complete main meal, and enjoy a protein-rich fullness that is gentle on the stomach, with no rice on the side.
Best preparation methods
Roast the stuffed courgettes in an air fryer or oven with a light brush of oil instead of deep frying, to keep them light.
Important Nutritional Note
Courgette is a light, watery vegetable that helps flush the kidneys, yoghurt provides calcium and lactic acid, and the meat provides lean protein, making it one of the healthiest meals there is.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (300 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 185 kcal | 555 kcal |
| Protein | 13 g | 39 g |
| Carbohydrate | 8 g | 24 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 5.9 g | 17.7 g |
| Fat | 11 g | 33 g |
| Dietary fibre | 2.1 g | 6.3 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 185 kcal per 100 g, ranking 23 of 45 in Arabic dishes (lowest first).
Related foods from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Why is sheikh al-mahshi the best stuffed vegetable dish for people with diabetes?
Because it contains no rice or starch at all: the filling is only meat and pine nuts, so it does not raise blood sugar.
What is the nutritional value of a 300 g portion of sheikh al-mahshi in yoghurt?
It provides about 555 kcal, 39 g of high-quality protein, 33 g of fat and around 18 g of net carbohydrate, coming only from the courgettes and yoghurt.
Is sheikh al-mahshi suitable for a keto diet?
It is a 100% classic Levantine keto dish that gives energy and fullness without breaking ketosis.
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.