Heart Skewers
Heart skewers, often known as 'Qalb el-Sheep' or simply lamb heart kebabs, are a traditional dish found throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East. The dish typically features chicken or lamb hearts marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika, then grilled on skewers. It is a popular street food and home-cooked meal, celebrated for its rich, savory flavor and tender texture when prepared correctly.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is an excellent source of high-quality protein and is very low in carbohydrates. It is rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly B12, with a typical serving providing approximately 250-350 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 12 µg |
| Zinc | 5 mg |
| Selenium | 35 µg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| CoQ10 | 2 mg |
Per 4 skewers (about 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, heart skewers represent a 'nose-to-tail' eating philosophy, utilizing organ meats to minimize waste and maximize nutrition. Nutritionally, heart is a lean, nutrient-dense muscle meat, offering a concentrated source of CoQ10, an antioxidant that supports heart health and energy production.
