1 serving (medium) of Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel) (220 g) has 341 calories. That works out to 155 calories per 100 g. It contains 21.6 g of carbs, 15.8 g of protein, 20 g of fat and 5.7 g of fiber. Its 0.3 mg of Copper covers 32% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 45 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel)?

Hunkar Begendi is a classic Ottoman dish: a smooth purée of fire-roasted eggplant enriched with béchamel, topped with tender meat stew, often made with lamb. The eggplant brings a gentle smokiness and soft, creamy texture, while the browned meat and savoury sauce give the plate its richness.

In Turkey it is served hot as a main course, often with rice or bread and a fresh salad; it also appears on restaurant menus beyond the region. Eggplant contributes fibre and the meat provides protein, while the béchamel and stew make it a substantial, rich meal. For a lighter version, use leaner meat and a modest layer of béchamel, with salad alongside.

Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel) Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

155

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

9.8g

· 4% DV

Protein

7.2g

· 14% DV

Fat

9.1g

· 12% DV

Fiber

2.6g

· 9% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 26% · Protein 19% · Fat 55%

Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel) Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.32µg · 13% DV

0.55mg · 11% DV

0.13mg · 10% DV

0.09mg · 8% DV

Minerals

Phosphorus

98mg · 14% DV

Selenium

6.8µg · 12% DV

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

Sodium

210mg · 9% DV

How Nutritious Is Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel)?

Nutrient density

Medium

55/ 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

48/ 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.

Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel) Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

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

How to Burn Off Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel)

To burn the 155 calories in 100 g:

🚶

38min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

16min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

21min

Cycling

🏊

18min

Swimming

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

Is Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel) Processed?

NOVA 3

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 Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel) Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy yes

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel) Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel) Fat Profile

SATURATED

3.2g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.7g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.4g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 4.6:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (4.6:1).

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Foods Similar to Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel)

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18 kcal

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210 kcal

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195 kcal

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hunkar Begendi (Sultan's Delight, Roasted Eggplant with Bechamel)

What does Hunkar Begendi mean?

Hunkar Begendi is commonly translated as “Sultan’s Delight.” It is a Turkish dish of tender meat stew served over a smooth roasted-eggplant purée enriched with béchamel; the name refers especially to the eggplant base.

Why is Hunkar Begendi called Sultan’s Delight?

Hunkar Begendi is associated with Ottoman palace cooking, and its name is usually rendered as “Sultan’s Delight.” Stories linking it to a particular sultan or diplomatic dinner are popular, but the exact origin of the dish is uncertain.

Is Hunkar Begendi the same as baba ganoush?

No, Hunkar Begendi is not baba ganoush. Both use roasted eggplant, but Hunkar Begendi combines it with béchamel to make a rich purée and is topped with meat stew; baba ganoush is typically a mezze dip.

What meat is used in Hunkar Begendi?

Hunkar Begendi is traditionally made with lamb, though beef is also common. The meat is cut into pieces and slowly simmered in a savory sauce until tender, then spooned over the eggplant purée.

How do you make the eggplant base for Hunkar Begendi?

The base for Hunkar Begendi is made by roasting eggplants until their flesh is soft, peeling them, and mashing the flesh into béchamel. Butter and cheese are often added for a smooth, savory purée.

Can you make Hunkar Begendi without béchamel?

You can make Hunkar Begendi without béchamel, but the eggplant base will be less creamy and will differ from the classic preparation. For a lighter texture, fold roasted eggplant into a smaller amount of béchamel rather than omitting it entirely.

What do you serve with Hunkar Begendi?

Hunkar Begendi is often served as a main course with rice or warm bread. A crisp salad or simply cooked vegetables make good sides, since the meat sauce and creamy eggplant already give the dish a rich, filling base.

Can Hunkar Begendi be made ahead?

Yes, Hunkar Begendi can be prepared ahead by cooking the meat stew and eggplant purée separately. Refrigerate them in covered containers, then reheat gently and assemble just before serving so the purée stays smooth.

How long does Hunkar Begendi last in the fridge?

Hunkar Begendi keeps for about 3 days in the refrigerator in a covered container. Store the meat and eggplant purée separately if possible, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

Can you freeze Hunkar Begendi?

Yes, Hunkar Begendi can be frozen, although the béchamel-based eggplant purée may turn slightly grainy after thawing. Freeze the meat and purée separately for better texture, thaw them in the refrigerator, and reheat gently.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026