World Flavors Cookbook

Malta Recipes

Maltese cuisine is a sun-drenched fusion of Mediterranean influences, heavily shaped by its proximity to Sicily and North Africa. It is famous for its flaky "Pastizzi," rich rabbit stews, and robust sourdough bread. The island's history as a naval fortress is reflected in its resilient, flavor-packed dishes that make the most of limited but exceptional local ingredients.

Recipes from Malta

• Pastizzi (Ricotta or Pea Pastry)

  Malta's most iconic street snack; flaky, diamond-shaped pastries with ricotta or mushy pea filling.

• Ftira (Maltese Flatbread Sandwich)

  A robust sourdough flatbread sandwich loaded with tuna, capers, and local olives.

• Imqaret (Date-Filled Pastries)

  Deep-fried, diamond-shaped pastries filled with a sweet, aromatic date paste.

• Stuffat tal-Fenek (Rabbit Stew)

  The national dish of Malta: a slow-cooked, rich rabbit stew with red wine and root vegetables.

• Bigilla (Maltese Bean Dip)

  A savory, garlicky dip made from mashed "ful ta' Ġirba" (dried broad beans).

• Qassatat

  Round, open-topped pastries filled with ricotta, peas, or spinach and anchovies.

• Qagħaq tal-Għasel (Honey Rings)

  Treacle-filled ring pastries flavored with orange, anise, and cloves.

• Ħobż biż-Żejt (Bread with Oil)

  The ultimate Maltese snack: crusty sourdough bread rubbed with tomatoes and olive oil.

• Ross il-Forn (Baked Rice)

  Hearty baked rice casserole with minced meat, tomato sauce, and eggs.

• Imqarrun il-Forn (Baked Macaroni)

  Maltese style baked pasta with a rich meat sauce and a golden crust.

• Timpana (Pasta Pie)

  A decadent dish of baked macaroni in a rich meat sauce, entirely encased in puff pastry.

• Braġjoli (Beef Olives)

  Thin slices of beef wrapped around a savory filling of breadcrumbs, eggs, and bacon.

• Aljotta (Maltese Fish Soup)

  A traditional, garlicky fish soup flavored with fresh tomatoes, lemon, and mint.

• Kusksu (Broad Bean and Pasta Soup)

  A spring soup made with fresh broad beans, "kusksu" pasta beads, and fresh sheep cheese.

• Soppa tal-Armla (Widow's Soup)

  A simple, white vegetable soup served with fresh sheep cheese and eggs.

• Kapunata (Maltese Ratatouille)

  A sweet and savory vegetable stew of aubergines, peppers, and tomatoes.

• Ravjul (Maltese Ravioli)

  Handmade pasta pockets filled with local sheep cheese and served with a simple tomato sauce.

• Ftira Għawdxija (Gozo Flatbread)

  A pizza-like flatbread topped with potatoes, tuna, anchovies, and capers.

• Lampuki Pie

  A savory fish pie with dolphin fish (lampuki), spinach, olives, and walnuts.

• Figolla (Easter Almond Pastry)

  A large, almond-filled pastry decorated with icing and a chocolate egg.

• Prinjolata (Carnival Cake)

  A spectacular, mound-shaped cake made of sponge, nuts, and cherries, topped with cream.

• Maltese Kannoli

  Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet, creamy ricotta and chocolate chips.

• Maltese Cassata

  A rich sponge cake layered with sweet ricotta and encased in almond marzipan.

• Minestra (Vegetable Soup)

  A thick and chunky traditional Maltese vegetable soup.

• Ftira with Beef and Onions

  A warm, modern street food variation of the ftira sandwich using grilled beef.