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Classic Turkish dish, source of protein and fiber, rich in vegetables and spices
In season: Summer · Autumn
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
1 piece (medium) of Karniyarik (Stuffed Eggplant with Ground Meat) (180 g) has 234 calories. That works out to 130 calories per 100 g. It contains 18.4 g of carbs, 11.7 g of protein, 13 g of fat and 5.8 g of fiber. Its 0.7 µg of B12 covers 29% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 45 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Karniyarik (stuffed eggplant with ground meat) is a classic Turkish home-style dish. A whole eggplant is split open and filled with browned ground meat, often cooked with onion, tomato and green pepper, then simmered or baked with tomato sauce until tender.
Its soft, almost creamy eggplant contrasts with the savoury filling and gently tangy sauce. In Turkey it is commonly served as a main meal with rice and yoghurt; elsewhere, it also works well alongside bread or a fresh salad. The combination makes it a substantial dish with protein as well as vegetables and fibre. For a lighter version, roast the eggplant rather than frying it, and serve with salad instead of a larger portion of rice.
Selected: 100 g
130
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
10.2g
· 4% DV
Protein
6.5g
· 13% DV
Fat
7.2g
· 9% DV
Fiber
3.2g
· 11% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 31% · Protein 20% · Fat 49%
Vitamins
B12
0.38µg · 16% DV
B3
1.8mg · 11% DV
B6
0.19mg · 11% DV
B5
0.45mg · 9% DV
Minerals
Sodium
260mg · 11% DV
Phosphorus
68mg · 10% DV
Zinc
1mg · 9% DV
Selenium
5.2µg · 9% DV
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
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.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 130 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
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.
No known major allergens
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
SATURATED
2.1g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.1g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.2g
Omega 6:3 ratio 5.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (5.5:1).
Karniyarik is made from eggplant split lengthwise and filled with seasoned ground meat, commonly cooked with onion, tomato, and green pepper. The stuffed eggplants are baked or simmered in a tomato-based sauce until tender.
Karniyarik comes from Turkish cuisine, where eggplant is a staple in many home-cooked dishes. Its name is often translated as “split belly,” referring to the lengthwise opening that holds the ground-meat filling.
Traditional karniyarik is prepared by softening whole eggplants, opening them lengthwise, and filling them with cooked ground meat, onion, and vegetables. They are then arranged in a dish with tomato sauce and cooked until the flavors come together.
No, frying is not essential for karniyarik. You can roast or bake the eggplants until soft before filling them; this avoids the extra oil used in many traditional versions while still giving the dish its characteristic shape.
Karniyarik is commonly served with rice pilaf, bulgur, or plain yogurt. A fresh salad also works well alongside it, balancing the rich meat filling and tomato sauce without competing with the eggplant.
Yes, lamb can replace beef in karniyarik, and a mixture of the two also works. Choose ground meat that is not excessively fatty so the filling stays flavorful without making the finished dish greasy.
Yes, you can prepare karniyarik ahead by cooking the filling and softening the eggplants, then assembling and refrigerating the dish. Bake it before serving, or fully cook it in advance and reheat until thoroughly hot.
Leftover karniyarik keeps in the refrigerator for a few days when stored promptly in a covered container. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, and make sure the meat filling is hot throughout.
Yes, cooked karniyarik can be frozen in a sealed, freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating; the eggplant may become softer after freezing, but the dish will still be suitable to eat.
Eggplant can brown when its cut flesh is exposed to air, and this is usually a harmless change in color. Prepare the eggplants close to cooking time and cover the exposed surface with the filling or sauce.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.