Calories in Sambousek
Sambousek is a savory Middle Eastern pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, often served as an appetizer. While providing protein and energy, its traditional deep-fried preparation significantly increases its fat content.
Common Variations
| Variation | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese Sambousek (Fried) | 1 piece (35g) | 98 | 3g | 8g | 6g |
| Meat Sambousek (Baked) | 1 piece (35g) | 79 | 4g | 9g | 3g |
| Cheese Sambousek (Baked) | 1 piece (35g) | 78 | 3.5g | 8g | 3.5g |
| Vegetable Sambousek (Fried) | 1 piece (35g) | 93 | 2g | 10g | 5g |
| Large Meat Serving (Fried) | 3 pieces (105g) | 299 | 10.5g | 27g | 16.5g |
| Spinach Sambousek (Baked) | 1 piece (35g) | 67 | 2.5g | 8.5g | 2.5g |
Health Benefits
Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates.
Meat-filled versions offer essential protein for muscle maintenance and repair.
Vegetable fillings provide essential micronutrients like Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Nutrition Tips
- Bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying to reduce fat and calorie intake.
- Use lean ground meat or low-fat cheese for the fillings to improve the nutritional profile.
- Incorporate vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots to increase the fiber content.
- Use whole-wheat pastry dough for a slower glucose release and added nutrients.
- Limit portion size as they are calorie-dense appetizers and easy to overconsume.
GAYA Tracking Tip
For the most accurate tracking, indicate whether the sambousek was fried or baked, as this significantly changes the calorie count. Photographing them next to a utensil helps GAYA estimate the size correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a single fried meat sambousek?+
A single medium-sized meat sambousek that has been deep-fried contains approximately 100 calories. Most of these calories come from the fat used in frying and the carbohydrate-rich dough.
Is there a healthier way to prepare sambousek?+
Baking or air-frying sambousek instead of deep-frying can reduce the fat content by up to 60%. Using whole grain flour for the dough also adds more fiber.
Does the filling change the nutritional value significantly?+
Yes, cheese fillings usually have more saturated fat, while meat fillings provide more protein. Vegetable fillings are generally the lowest in calories and highest in fiber.
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