These Keto Chargrilled Turkish Bites are prepared with a mix of tender grilled eggplant, zucchini, & red pepper, which are wrapped in the ham slices along with the cheese and basil leaves. These Turkish bites are so flavorful and delicious that they will transport you to the delightful Mediterranean flavors. These bite-sized treats are perfectly charred and loaded with smoky & herbaceous flavors. The pleasing smoky flavor is produced by the addition of smoky paprika and olive oil, along with the grilled vegetables, ham, and basil. These Keto Chargrilled Turkish Bites are naturally gluten-free, loaded with proteins and healthy fats, and have lots of flavor despite being a keto recipe. We can serve these Turkish bites warm or cold as we like.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Prep Time: Fifteen mins
- Cook Time: Ten mints.
- Total Time: Twenty-five mins
- Cuisine: Turkish-inspired
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Course: Appetizer / Snack
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Servings: 4
EQUIPMENT:
- Grill pan
- Spatula
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Toothpick
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 small eggplant
- 1 red bell pepper
- 8 slices of deli ham
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup feta or mozzarella cheese
INGREDIENTS NOTES:
ZUCCHINI:
- Zucchini adds a mellow and sweet flavor and a soft texture when we grill the zucchini. We have to select fresh & firm zucchini for optimal results. We can cut the zucchini in rounds so it can be cooked evenly.
EGGPLANT:
- Eggplant offers a meaty texture and it is a wonderful vegetable to absorb smoky aromas. We have to use the small and firm eggplants and slice them evenly to prevent bitterness.
RED BELL PEPPER:
- Red bell pepper is mildly sweet in taste & bright in color and it balances the flavor of ham. The internal taste of the red bell pepper is enhanced by the grilling process, which results in a caramelized bell pepper.
HAM:
- We have to choose thin slices of ham which is sugar and nitrate-free. This ham ideally balances the flavor of the grilled vegetables.
FRESH BASIL LEAVES:
- Fresh basil enhances the dish’s flavor with its aroma and freshness. We don’t have to add the dry basil as it doesn’t provide the same indulgent flavor or texture so we should have to avoid using the dry basil leaves.
OLIVE OIL:
- Extra virgin olive oil has a deep flavor and contains healthy fats; it is used for grilling and flavoring.
SMOKED PAPRIKA:
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth to the smoky chargrilled flavor, and it also enhances the whole flavor profile.
CHEESE:
- We use feta or mozzarella cheese in this dish as it adds richness & creaminess; they also significantly raise the calorie content.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTION:
- Turn the heat up to medium-high on the grill or grill pan.
- We can apply olive oil to the red pepper strips, eggplant, and zucchini with the brush.
- We can sprinkle the salt and pepper & paprika in these vegetables.
- Then we can place the seasoned vegetables on the grill for 3 to 5 minutes on the grill or till the vegetables get soft and brown.
- We can place the ham slices on the shelf and put the grilled vegetables, and basil leaf over the ham.
- Roll the ham into bite-size rolls and secure the roll with the toothpick if required.
- We can garnish the Keto Chargrilled Turkish Bites and serve them warm.
TIPS:
- We can also drizzle some lemon juice over the grilled vegetables to add some new zing.
- You can also use the mint in place of the basil leaf to obtain a different taste.
- For a different taste profile, use basil instead of mint.
- We can also use the prosciutto in place of ham for a crispier twist.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- You would transfer the leftover Turkish bites to the airtight box and store these bites for three days.
FREEZER:
- We should not have to freeze these Turkish bites as the texture of the grilled vegetables will get ruined.
FAQs:
Do these Turkish bites have a reduced content of carbs?
- These Turkish bites had reduced carbs content and just comprised 2.5g net carbs, and 9g protein per portion of these bites.
Will we store these Turkish bites?
- Yes, you would store these Turkish bites in an airtight container only in the fridge for 3 days but not in the freezer as the texture of the grilled vegetables will get ruined.
What we can serve with these Turkish bites?
- You would serve the garlic yogurt sauce, tzatziki sauce, and spicy keto mayo with these Turkish bites.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Fiber: 1g
Net Carbs: 2.5g
Protein: 9g
Calories: 120 kcal
Fat: 8g
Calcium: 40mg
Iron: 0.9mg
Vitamin A: 350 IU
Overall Carbs: 3.5g
Sodium: 420mg
Potassium: 320mg