1 serving (medium) of Blessed thistle stew (180 g) has 122 calories. That works out to 68 calories per 100 g. It contains 10.4 g of carbs, 3.4 g of protein, 7.6 g of fat and 5.6 g of fiber. Its 212.4 µg of Vitamin K covers 177% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Blessed thistle stew?

Şevketi bostan is an Aegean Turkish stew made with the cleaned roots and stems of a wild edible thistle. Despite the English label sometimes used for it, it is not made from blessed thistle. It is often cooked with olive oil, onion and lemon; lamb is a familiar addition in traditional versions.

The softened stems are tender but slightly fibrous, with a mild, earthy bitterness and a bright, lemony broth. In Turkey it is served warm as a seasonal main or alongside rice and other olive-oil dishes. The plant makes the stew a good source of fibre, while the meat-free version is relatively light. For a lighter bowl, use less oil and let lemon bring the flavours into focus.

Blessed thistle stew Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

5.8g

· 2% DV

Protein

1.9g

· 4% DV

Fat

4.2g

· 5% DV

Fiber

3.1g

· 11% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 34% · Protein 11% · Fat 55%

Blessed thistle stew Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin K

118µg · 98% DV

Vitamin A

185µg · 21% DV

Folate

42µg · 11% DV

Vitamin C

9.5mg · 11% DV

Minerals

Iron

2mg · 11% DV

Calcium

92mg · 9% DV

Sodium

210mg · 9% DV

Potassium ⭐

285mg · 8% DV

How Nutritious Is Blessed thistle stew?

Nutrient density

High

74/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

52/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Blessed thistle stew Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

1.5

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Blessed thistle stew

To burn the 68 calories in 100 g:

🚶

17min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

7min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

9min

Cycling

🏊

8min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Blessed thistle stew Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Blessed thistle stew Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Blessed thistle stew Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Blessed thistle stew Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.62g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.55g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.61g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 5.8:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (5.8:1).

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Frequently Asked Questions About Blessed thistle stew

What is şevketi bostan stew?

Şevketi bostan stew is an Aegean Turkish dish made with the edible stems and leaves of a wild thistle, often cooked with lamb and lemon. It is sometimes labeled “blessed thistle stew” in English, but the plant is generally Scolymus hispanicus, not blessed thistle.

How do you make şevketi bostan stew?

For traditional şevketi bostan stew, simmer lamb until tender, then add cleaned, chopped şevketi bostan and cook until soft. Many versions finish with an egg-and-lemon sauce, stirred in gently to give the broth a lightly tangy, silky texture.

How do you clean şevketi bostan for stew?

Wear gloves when cleaning şevketi bostan: trim away prickly tips and tough outer parts, then peel any stringy fibers from the stems. Rinse the pieces thoroughly to remove grit trapped among the leaves and stems before adding them to the stew.

What does şevketi bostan stew taste like?

Şevketi bostan stew has a mild, earthy, slightly bitter herb flavor, softened by cooking. Lamb adds richness, while lemon—or the traditional egg-and-lemon finish—brings a bright tang. The stems become tender but can retain a pleasantly fibrous texture.

Where does şevketi bostan stew come from?

Şevketi bostan stew is associated with Turkey’s Aegean region, particularly İzmir and its surroundings. It is part of a broader tradition of cooking seasonal wild greens, and households adapt it with lamb, olive oil, or a lemon-and-egg finish.

Can you make şevketi bostan stew without lamb?

Yes, şevketi bostan stew can be made without lamb. Cook the cleaned greens with onion, olive oil, and a little water until tender; lemon adds brightness. This meatless version keeps the herb at the center of the dish rather than relying on a meat broth.

Is şevketi bostan the same plant as blessed thistle?

No. Şevketi bostan usually refers to Scolymus hispanicus, also called Spanish oyster plant, whereas blessed thistle is Cnicus benedictus. The similar English names can be confusing, so a recipe labeled “blessed thistle stew” may actually mean the Turkish Aegean dish.

Can you use frozen şevketi bostan in stew?

Yes, frozen şevketi bostan can work in stew, although its texture may be softer than fresh greens. Add it directly to the simmering pot if it was cleaned before freezing, and cook just until tender so it does not become overly mushy.

What can you serve with şevketi bostan stew?

Serve şevketi bostan stew with plain rice, crusty bread, or a simple salad. These sides suit its light, lemony broth without covering the thistle’s flavor. If the stew already contains lamb, a modest side is usually enough to make it a full meal.

How long does şevketi bostan stew keep in the refrigerator?

Keep leftover şevketi bostan stew covered in the refrigerator and eat it within a few days. Reheat only the portion you plan to serve until steaming hot. If it contains egg-and-lemon sauce, gentle reheating helps prevent the sauce from separating.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 25, 2026