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Traditional Anatolian dish made with wheat, chickpeas, and meat
In season: Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
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.
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%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal | |
| Total fat | 5.6 g | 7% |
| Saturated fat | 1.4 g | 7% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 420 mg | 18% |
| Total carbohydrate | 43 g | 16% |
| Fiber | 7.4 g | 26% |
| Protein | 12.4 g | 25% |
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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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 200 g | 280 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 140 kcal |
| ½ cup (small) | 100 g | 140 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 150 g | 210 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 250 g | 350 kcal |
| 1 bottle (medium) | 250 g | 350 kcal |
| 1.5 cup (large) | 300 g | 420 kcal |
| 1 bottle (large) | 400 g | 560 kcal |
Calculated from 140 calories per 100 g.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 280 calories in 1 cup (medium) (200 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.
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.
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.
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.
Contains these 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
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.