Qursan Calories 🍲
Calculate qursan calories for Saudi servings. Thin flatbread pieces cooked in rich meat and vegetable stew — full nutrition and portion guide.
Qursan Saudi Calculator
To burn about 195 kcal you may need roughly:
📊 Data source note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard food composition databases and common recipe data. Actual values vary by cooking method, oil quantity, ingredient brand, and serving size. See our Data Sources and Methodology pages.
What Is Qursan?
Qursan (Arabic: قرصان) is a traditional Saudi dish from the Asir and southern Hejaz regions. Very thin flatbread pieces (similar to injera in texture but different in composition) are broken into the stew and cooked until they absorb the broth, becoming soft and flavour-saturated. The stew typically contains lamb or chicken, tomatoes, onions, vegetables and a blend of spices including turmeric, cumin and coriander. Qursan is a warming, hearty dish particularly popular in the cooler months in Saudi Arabia's mountain regions.
Calories at a Glance
| Portion | Weight | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Small bowl | 300g | 585 kcal |
| Standard bowl | 350g | 683 kcal |
| Full serving | 450g | 878 kcal |
| Bread component only | 100g | ~260 kcal |
| Per 100g (mixed) | 100g | ~195 kcal |
How to Use This Calculator
To estimate accurately, enter the grams of Qursan you consumed rather than a guess at plate size. In practice, a small bowl (300g) comes to about 585 kcal, while a standard bowl is closer to 683 kcal. Oil quantity and preparation style shift these numbers, so treat the output as a realistic range for planning your remaining meals of the day.
Qursan — Calorie and Nutrition Breakdown (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Daily % (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 195 kcal | 10% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 11% |
| Fat | 5g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 11% |
Calories by Preparation Method
Qursan's calorie count depends on the bread type (thinner breads are lighter than thicker ones), the fat content of the meat used, and the oil or ghee used to sauté the stew base. Restaurant qursan tends to be more calorie-dense than home-cooked versions due to more generous oil use.
Qursan for Weight Loss
Qursan is moderately calorie-dense due to the bread component. For weight loss, use a smaller bread portion and increase the vegetable-to-bread ratio in your bowl. Choose lean chicken or lamb loin rather than fatty cuts for the stew. A standard 300g bowl runs approximately 585 kcal.
Qursan for Muscle Gain
Qursan provides carbohydrates from the bread and protein from the meat. The bread soaks up the rich, protein-infused broth, increasing the overall protein content per serving. For muscle gain, ensure the meat portion is generous (150–200g of lean lamb or chicken).
Smart Comparison
Qursan is similar in calorie density to matazeez and margoog — the three primary Saudi bread-and-stew dishes. All three are lower in calories per bowl than the Saudi rice dishes (kabsa, mandi). Qursan has a softer, more bread-like texture compared to matazeez's pasta-like dough pieces.
Portion Control Advice
A 350g bowl is the typical single serving. The bread pieces in qursan absorb broth and expand — the dish is quite filling despite the moderate calorie count. Avoid adding a rice side dish to the same meal.
Practical Eating Tips
Qursan is traditionally eaten communal style from a large pot. Use a smaller bowl to control portions. Eat slowly — the thick, broth-soaked bread is filling and registers satiety gradually. Pair with a simple salad.
Common Mistakes
Adding extra bread to the stew beyond the recommended amount significantly increases calories. Eating qursan and tamees bread at the same meal creates a double-bread carbohydrate load. Over-pouring cooking oil into the stew base is the main hidden calorie source.
Burn This Food — Activity Equivalents
A standard serving (~500 kcal) requires approximately:
| Activity | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|
| Brisk Walking | ~91 min |
| Jogging | ~56 min |
| Swimming | ~62 min |
| Cycling | ~71 min |
Burn times vary by body weight, fitness level and exercise intensity.
Health Considerations
Qursan's thin flatbread base is a simple, minimally processed carbohydrate. The meat and vegetable stew provides protein, iron, vitamins A and C. The dish is suitable for most diets but not appropriate for gluten-intolerant individuals due to the wheat bread component. Sodium from the stew broth can be high in restaurant versions.
Healthy Alternative Tips
Lower Calorie Option: Ladle the vegetable stew generously and layer fewer bread sheets underneath — qursan's thin bread soaks up broth (and calories) quickly.
Higher Protein Option: Grilled Chicken Saudi or Chicken Kebab Saudi for a leaner, protein-rich alternative.
Smarter Swap: Use the Food Compare tool to compare Qursan side-by-side with other Saudi foods.
Related Tools
FAQs
How many calories in qursan?
A standard bowl of qursan (350–450g) contains approximately 683–878 calories depending on meat, bread quantity and oil used.
What is qursan made of?
Thin flatbread pieces cooked in a spiced meat and vegetable stew until soft and broth-saturated.
Where is qursan most popular in Saudi Arabia?
Qursan is most popular in the Asir region and southern Hejaz areas of Saudi Arabia.
Is qursan gluten-free?
No — qursan contains wheat flatbread and is not suitable for celiac or gluten-intolerant individuals.
Is qursan good for weight loss?
It is moderately calorie-friendly compared to Saudi rice dishes. A standard 300g bowl runs 585 kcal.
📊 Data source note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard food composition databases and Saudi recipe data. Actual values vary by cooking method, oil quantity, ingredients and serving size. See our Data Sources and Methodology pages.