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A mound of thick, pale beige wheat porridge with a soft, slightly fibrous texture, served in a shallow dish with a glossy pool of red-orange butter on top.

Kesken Calories

Traditional Anatolian dish made with wheat, chickpeas, and meat

In season: Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

140kcal

GI

55medium

POTASSIUM · 100 G

110mg

FIBER · 100 G

3.7g

Quick answer

1 cup (medium) of Kesken (200 g) has 280 calories. That works out to 140 calories per 100 g. It contains 43 g of carbs, 12.4 g of protein, 5.6 g of fat and 7.4 g of fiber. Its 0.7 mg of Manganese covers 30% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

Kesken Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 200 g

280

KCAL / 200G

Carbs

43g

· 16% DV

Protein

12.4g

· 25% DV

Fat

5.6g

· 7% DV

Fiber

7.4g

· 26% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 63% · Protein 18% · Fat 19%

Kesken nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (200 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories280 kcal
Total fat5.6 g7%
Saturated fat1.4 g7%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium420 mg18%
Total carbohydrate43 g16%
Fiber7.4 g26%
Protein12.4 g25%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Kesken?

ServingAmountCalories
1 cup (medium)200 g280 kcal
100 g100 g140 kcal
½ cup (small)100 g140 kcal
1 piece (medium)150 g210 kcal
1 serving (large)250 g350 kcal
1 bottle (medium)250 g350 kcal
1.5 cup (large)300 g420 kcal
1 bottle (large)400 g560 kcal

Calculated from 140 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kesken

What is Kesken?

Kesken is a traditional Anatolian dish made with wheat, chickpeas, and meat. The ingredients are cooked together until tender, making a hearty dish that is usually served warm as a main course.

How do you cook Kesken?

Cook Kesken by simmering wheat and chickpeas with meat until everything is very tender. Stir as it cooks so the wheat does not stick to the pot, then mix the softened ingredients to bring the dish together.

What kind of wheat is used in Kesken?

Kesken is made with wheat, commonly in a cracked or coarsely ground form that softens during long cooking. Use wheat suited to simmering rather than quick-cooking cereal, and allow enough time for the grains to become tender.

What meat goes into Kesken?

Kesken can be made with lamb or beef, depending on the household or regional recipe. Some cooks use meat on the bone to give the cooking liquid more flavor, removing the bones before serving.

What does Kesken taste and feel like?

Kesken tastes savory and hearty, with the wheat and chickpeas softened by slow cooking with meat. Its texture is thick and cohesive rather than brothy; a little hot water can loosen it when reheating.

How is Kesken traditionally served?

Kesken is served hot as a substantial main dish. Plain yogurt, a fresh salad, or pickles make simple accompaniments, while bread is optional because the wheat already makes the dish filling.

Can you make Kesken without meat?

Yes, you can make a meatless Kesken with wheat and chickpeas, using onion, spices, or a flavorful cooking liquid for savoriness. The result is a variation rather than the meat-based traditional preparation described for this dish.

Can Kesken be frozen?

Yes, Kesken can be frozen once it has cooled. Freeze it in meal-sized airtight containers, then thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it thoroughly; add a splash of water if the wheat has absorbed too much liquid.

How long does cooked Kesken keep in the refrigerator?

Cooked Kesken generally keeps for three to four days in the refrigerator when promptly stored in a covered container. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, and make sure it is thoroughly hot throughout.

Is Kesken a healthy meal?

Kesken can be a nourishing, filling meal because it combines wheat, chickpeas, and meat. Its overall balance also depends on how much added fat and salt the recipe uses, so pair it with vegetables if you want a lighter meal.

Kesken Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B1

0.18mg · 15% DV

B3

2.4mg · 15% DV

B12

0.36µg · 15% DV

B5

0.5mg · 10% DV

Minerals

Manganese

0.68mg · 30% DV

Copper

0.24mg · 27% DV

Phosphorus

144mg · 21% DV

Selenium

10µg · 18% DV

Sodium

420mg · 18% DV

Potassium ⭐

220mg · 6% DV

Kesken Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

55
Medium
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

24
High

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

How to Burn Off Kesken

To burn the 280 calories in 1 cup (medium) (200 g):

🚶

69min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

29min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

38min

Cycling

🏊

33min

Swimming

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

What is Kesken?

Kesken is a hearty Anatolian dish made by cooking wheat with chickpeas and meat until the grains soften and the mixture becomes thick. Recipes vary between households and regions, but it is usually served as a warm, spoonable main dish rather than as a side grain.

It suits a filling meal, with pickles, yoghurt or a crisp salad alongside to balance its soft, savoury texture. Wheat provides much of its carbohydrate, while the chickpeas and meat contribute protein; it also offers fibre. For a lighter serving, choose lean meat and keep added fat modest.

How Nutritious Is Kesken?

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

54/ 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.

Is Kesken 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 Kesken Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Kesken 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

Kesken Fat Profile

SATURATED

1.4g

MONOUNSATURATED

1.6g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.4g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 6:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (6:1).

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.