Explore by cuisine

Maltese recipes.

A growing collection inspired by the ingredients, techniques and character of Maltese cooking.

Watercolour illustration of red Maltese garlic and tomato dip with parsley and lemon.

Maltese · No Cook

Arjoli (Maltese Garlic and Tomato Dip)

A bold Maltese dip made with garlic, tomato, olive oil, breadcrumbs, parsley, and lemon. Excellent with fish, bread, or galletti.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese almond macaroons topped with almonds and cherries.

38 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Biskuttini tal-Lewż (Maltese Almond Macaroons)

Traditional Maltese almond macaroons with a crisp outside and chewy centre. Simple, fragrant, and often served for celebrations.

Watercolour illustration of clear beef broth with potatoes, carrots, cabbage and zucchini.

165 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Brodu (Maltese Beef and Vegetable Broth)

Malta's comforting winter soup - a clear, rich meat broth simmered with seasonal vegetables. Simple, nourishing, and traditionally served on cold days.

Watercolour illustration of baked aubergine halves filled with beef, tomato and breadcrumbs.

90 min

Maltese · Oven

Brunġiel Mimli (Stuffed Aubergines)

Traditional Maltese stuffed aubergines filled with minced meat, tomato, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then baked until tender.

Watercolour illustration of baked bell peppers stuffed with beef, rice and tomato.

110 min

Maltese · Oven

Bżar Mimli (Stuffed Peppers)

Maltese stuffed peppers baked with minced meat, rice, tomato, herbs, and garlic. Colourful, hearty, and ideal for family meals.

Watercolour illustration of braised chicken with mushrooms, onions and tomato sauce.

60 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Tiġieġa Stil tal-Kaċċaturi (Chicken Hunter's Style)

Tender chicken braised with onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes in white wine - a rustic Maltese classic.

Watercolour illustration of white bean stew with tomatoes, carrots and celery.

105 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Fażola Bajda (White Bean Stew)

A comforting Maltese white bean stew with tomato, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Rustic, economical, and excellent with bread.

Watercolour illustration of golden fried rabbit pieces with garlic, parsley and lemon.

60 min

Maltese · Frying

Fenek Moqli (Maltese Fried Rabbit)

A traditional Maltese fried rabbit dish, marinated then cooked with garlic, white wine, and herbs until golden and fragrant.

Watercolour illustration of decorated Maltese Easter almond pastries topped with chocolate eggs.

70 min

Maltese · Oven

Figolli (Maltese Easter Almond Pastries)

Malta's iconic Easter sweet - two layers of pastry filled with almond paste, baked and decorated with colourful icing and a chocolate egg on top.

Watercolour illustration of golden vermicelli omelette with a cut wedge showing fine pasta strands.

25 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Froġa tat-Tarja (Vermicelli Omelette)

A simple Maltese vermicelli omelette made with eggs, pasta, cheese, and parsley. Quick, frugal, and excellent hot or cold.

Watercolour illustration of whole green broad beans with sliced garlic, parsley and lemon.

30 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Ful bit-Tewm (Broad Beans with Garlic)

A simple Maltese broad bean dish with garlic, olive oil, lemon, and parsley. Rustic, fresh, and full of spring flavour.

Watercolour illustration of cooked liver slices with golden onions and parsley.

30 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Fwied bil-Basal (Liver with Onions)

A traditional Maltese liver dish cooked quickly with onions, garlic, wine, and parsley. Simple, rich, and deeply savoury.

Watercolour illustration of golden breaded cheeselets with a soft white centre and lemon.

20 min

Maltese · Frying

Ġbejniet Moqlija (Fried Cheeselets)

Maltese cheeselets lightly coated and fried until golden, served with lemon, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Watercolour illustration of crusty Maltese sandwiches filled with tuna, tomato, onion and capers.

15 min

Maltese · No Cook

Ħobż biż-Żejt (Maltese Tomato and Tuna Sandwich)

Malta's iconic rustic sandwich of crusty bread, kunserva, olive oil, tuna, capers, onion, and tomato.

Watercolour illustration of diamond-shaped fried date pastries with orange and warm spices.

55 min

Maltese · Frying

Imqaret (Maltese Date Pastries)

Traditional Maltese fried date pastries scented with citrus, aniseed, and warm spice. Crisp outside, sticky and aromatic inside.

Watercolour illustration of crisp cannoli tubes filled with ricotta, chocolate and candied citrus.

65 min

Maltese · Oven

Kannoli Maltin (Maltese Cannoli)

Crisp pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta, citrus zest, chocolate, and candied peel. A Maltese bakery favourite with Sicilian roots.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese vegetable stew with aubergine, green peppers, olives and capers.

110 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Kapunata (Maltese Vegetable Stew)

A vibrant Mediterranean vegetable stew with aubergines, peppers, tomatoes, capers, and olives.

Watercolour illustration of hearty pork and cabbage soup with sausage and vegetables.

140 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Kawlata (Maltese Pork and Cabbage Soup)

A traditional Maltese winter stew with cabbage, seasonal vegetables, and pork. Rustic, hearty, and slow-simmered.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese tripe stew with tomato, potatoes and parsley.

140 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Kirxa (Maltese Tripe Stew)

An old-style Maltese tripe stew slowly cooked with tomato, onion, garlic, wine, and herbs until tender and rich.

Watercolour illustration of stuffed calamari in tomato sauce with a sliced portion showing the filling.

75 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Klamari Mimli (Stuffed Calamari)

Maltese stuffed calamari filled with breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, capers, olives, and tentacles, simmered in tomato sauce.

Watercolour illustration of broad bean and pasta-bead soup with a fresh cheeselet and poached egg.

55 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Kusksu (Maltese Broad Bean and Pasta Soup)

A traditional Maltese spring soup with broad beans, tiny pasta beads, and fresh gbejna. Comforting, seasonal, and deeply local.

Watercolour illustration of honey-glazed Maltese Lenten almond biscuits with citrus and spices.

45 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Kwareżimal (Maltese Lenten Biscuits)

Traditional Maltese Lenten biscuits made without eggs, butter, or dairy. Dense, aromatic, and rich with almonds, citrus, and warm spices.

Watercolour illustration of sliced simmered beef with garlic, parsley dressing and boiled potatoes.

135 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Laħam taċ-Ċanga fuq il-Fwar (Maltese Simmered Beef)

Traditional Maltese gently simmered beef served with garlic, parsley, olive oil, and lemon.

Watercolour illustration of small cups of Maltese spiced coffee with cloves and citrus peel.

10 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Kafè Malti (Maltese Spiced Coffee)

Strong, dark coffee gently spiced with cloves and citrus. A Mediterranean blend of Italian espresso culture and North African spice traditions.

Watercolour illustration of thick Maltese vegetable soup with pumpkin, carrots, potatoes and peas.

65 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Minestra (Thick Maltese Vegetable Soup)

A hearty, rustic Maltese vegetable soup - thicker than brodu and packed with seasonal vegetables. A true everyday home dish.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese baked macaroni with beef sauce and a golden cheese topping.

85 min

Maltese · Oven

Mqarrun il-Forn (Maltese Baked Macaroni)

Traditional Maltese baked macaroni with rich meat sauce, eggs, and cheese. Comforting, golden, and perfect for Sunday lunch.

Watercolour illustration of golden boat-shaped pastizzi filled with savoury white ricotta.

70 min

Maltese · Oven

Pastizzi tal-Irkotta (Maltese Ricotta Pastries)

Malta's beloved flaky pastries filled with seasoned ricotta. Crisp, golden, and best eaten warm from the oven.

Watercolour illustration of golden boat-shaped pastizzi with spiced split-pea filling.

115 min

Maltese · Oven

Pastizzi tal-Piżelli (Maltese Pea Pastries)

Classic Maltese flaky pastries filled with spiced mushy peas. Crisp, savoury, and a favourite from every pastizzeria.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese roast potato wedges with onions, fennel seeds and parsley.

90 min

Maltese · Oven

Patata l-Forn (Maltese Roast Potatoes)

Maltese oven-roasted potatoes with onion, garlic, stock, fennel seed, and olive oil. Golden on top, tender underneath, and full of Sunday lunch flavour.

Watercolour illustration of grilled swordfish steaks with capers, parsley and lemon.

25 min

Maltese · Grill

Pixxispad Mixwi (Grilled Swordfish)

Maltese grilled swordfish with lemon, garlic, capers, parsley, and olive oil. Fresh, simple, and perfect for warm weather.

Watercolour illustration of domed Maltese Carnival cake with meringue, pine nuts, cherries and chocolate.

65 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Prinjolata (Maltese Carnival Cake)

A festive dome-shaped Maltese dessert for Carnival, layered with sponge, pastry, cream, and nuts, covered in meringue and decorated with pine nuts and cherries.

Watercolour illustration of dark Maltese bread-pudding squares with raisins, walnuts and citrus.

80 min

Maltese · Oven

Pudina tal-Ħobż (Maltese Bread Pudding)

A traditional Maltese bread pudding made with stale bread, cocoa, citrus, spices, dried fruit, and nuts. Frugal, rich, and deeply nostalgic.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese meatballs in tomato sauce with parsley.

50 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Pulpetti tal-Laħam (Maltese Meatballs)

Traditional Maltese meatballs made with minced meat, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and cheese, then fried or simmered in tomato sauce.

Watercolour illustration of crisp whitebait fritters with parsley and lemon wedges.

30 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Pulpetti tal-Makku (Whitebait Fritters)

Traditional Maltese whitebait fritters with egg, parsley, garlic, and lemon. Quick, crisp-edged, and full of seaside flavour.

Watercolour illustration of golden Maltese sesame bread rings with a tender crumb.

60 min

Maltese · Oven

Qagħaq tal-Ġulġlien (Maltese Sesame Rings)

Traditional Maltese sesame rings with a crisp crust, tender crumb, and fragrant aniseed. A simple bakery classic for tea or snacking.

Watercolour illustration of baked marrow halves stuffed with beef, rice and tomato.

90 min

Maltese · Oven

Qarabagħli Mimli (Stuffed Marrows)

Traditional Maltese stuffed marrows filled with minced meat, rice, herbs, and tomato sauce. A comforting baked family dish.

Watercolour illustration of cooked octopus pieces with garlic, parsley and lemon.

60 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Qarnit bit-Tewm (Maltese Octopus with Garlic)

A bold Maltese octopus dish with garlic, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, served warm or at room temperature.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese sheep-cheese ravioli with tomato and basil sauce.

95 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Ravjul bil-Ġbejniet tan-Nagħaġ (Sheep's Cheese Ravioli)

Traditional Maltese ravioli filled with fresh sheep cheese and served with a simple tomato and basil sauce.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese snail stew with tomato, garlic and herbs.

95 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Stuffat tal-Bebbux (Maltese Snail Stew)

A traditional Maltese snail stew slow-cooked with garlic, red wine, tomato, and herbs until rich and deeply flavoured.

Watercolour illustration of octopus stew with tomato sauce, peas and parsley.

90 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Stuffat tal-Qarnit (Maltese Octopus Stew)

A rich Maltese octopus stew slowly simmered with tomato, red wine, garlic, and herbs.

Watercolour illustration of golden macaroni pie with a cut wedge showing pasta and beef sauce.

110 min

Maltese · Oven

Timpana (Maltese Baked Macaroni Pie)

A classic Maltese baked macaroni pie with rich meat sauce, eggs, and cheese wrapped in golden pastry. A true Sunday and festa favourite.

Watercolour illustration of tuna steaks in tomato sauce with olives, capers and parsley.

35 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Tonn biz-Zalza (Tuna in Tomato Sauce)

A simple Maltese tuna dish simmered with tomato, onion, garlic, capers, olives, and herbs. Quick, savoury, and full of coastal flavour.

Watercolour illustration of savoury ricotta pie with a white cheese and parsley filling.

70 min

Maltese · Oven

Torta tal-Irkotta (Maltese Ricotta Pie)

A traditional Maltese savoury ricotta pie with eggs, parsley, and cheese in golden shortcrust pastry. Simple, comforting, and excellent warm or cold.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese meat pie with a cut slice showing beef, peas and tomato.

90 min

Maltese · Oven

Torta tal-Laħam (Maltese Meat Pie)

A traditional Maltese meat pie filled with minced beef, peas, tomato, herbs, and flaky pastry. Hearty and perfect for family meals.

Watercolour illustration of a sliced vanilla and chocolate marble cake.

65 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Torta tal-Marmurat (Maltese Marble Cake)

A homely Maltese marble cake with vanilla and chocolate swirls. Soft, simple, and perfect with tea or coffee.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese chocolate biscuit Christmas log with nuts and candied fruit.

30 min

Maltese · No Cook

Tronchetto tal-Milied (Maltese Christmas Log)

A no-bake Maltese Christmas log made with crushed biscuits, nuts, chocolate, condensed milk, and candied fruit.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese pork sausages in tomato sauce with peas and parsley.

50 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Zalzett Malti biz-Zalza (Maltese Sausage in Tomato Sauce)

Rustic Maltese sausage simmered in tomato sauce with onion, garlic, wine, herbs, and peas. Rich, hearty, and perfect with bread or pasta.

Watercolour illustration of fried choux pastries filled with sweet ricotta and finished with honey and pistachios.

70 min

Maltese · Oven

Żeppoli ta' San Ġużepp (Maltese St Joseph's Pastries)

Traditional Maltese St Joseph's pastries filled with sweet ricotta and finished with honey, nuts, or icing sugar.

Watercolour illustration of garlicky Maltese fish soup with rice, parsley and lemon.

50 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Aljotta (Maltese Garlic Fish Soup)

Make traditional Maltese aljotta: a light garlic fish soup with fresh fish, tomatoes, rice, lemon, and herbs, ready in about 50 minutes.

Watercolour illustration of soft scrambled eggs with tomatoes and fresh mint.

30 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Balbuljata (Maltese Scrambled Eggs with Tomato)

Make traditional Maltese balbuljata with ripe tomatoes, softly scrambled eggs, garlic, and mint. A quick, rustic meal ready in 30 minutes.

Watercolour illustration of Bigilla in a terracotta bowl with broad beans, garlic, olive oil and lemon.

105 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Bigilla (Traditional Maltese Bean Dip)

Make Bigilla with dried broad beans, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and parsley, with tips for a rustic texture and serving it with Maltese bread.

Watercolour illustration of Gozitan flatbread topped with potatoes, tomatoes, olives and anchovies.

65 min

Maltese · Oven

Ftira Għawdxija (Gozitan Potato Flatbread)

Make traditional Gozitan ftira with a crisp, chewy base topped with potato, tomato, olives, capers, and anchovies or tuna. Serves four.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese pastry rings with dark treacle filling visible through small slashes.

75 min

Maltese · Oven

Qagħaq tal-Għasel (Maltese Honey Rings)

Traditional Maltese honey rings filled with treacle, citrus, spices, and semolina. A fragrant festive sweet with a rich, sticky centre.

Watercolour illustration of pleated anchovy pies with tomato, olives and capers.

50 min

Maltese · Oven

Qassatat tal-Inċova (Anchovy Pies)

Bake Maltese qassatat with shortcrust pastry and a bold anchovy, tomato, caper, and olive filling. This traditional recipe makes 8–10 savoury pies.

Watercolour illustration of golden pleated Maltese qassatat with white ricotta filling and black pepper.

70 min

Maltese · Oven

Qassatat tal-Irkotta (Maltese Ricotta Pies)

Make 10 Maltese ricotta qassatat with shortcrust pastry, a savoury cheese filling, and an open pleated top. Includes shaping and troubleshooting advice.

Watercolour illustration of round pleated Maltese pea pies with an open top.

70 min

Maltese · Oven

Qassatat tal-Piżelli (Maltese Pea Pies)

Make traditional Maltese qassatat with shortcrust pastry and a warmly spiced split-pea filling. A bakery-style recipe for 8–10 savoury pies.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese baked rice with beef, tomato, peas and a golden crust.

95 min

Maltese · Oven

Ross il-Forn (Maltese Baked Rice)

Malta's comforting baked rice dish with minced meat and tomato, baked until golden. A classic Sunday family dish.

Watercolour illustration of vegetable soup with cauliflower, peas and fresh Maltese cheese.

55 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Soppa tal-Armla (Widow's Soup)

A traditional Maltese vegetable soup enriched with small fresh cheeselets (ġbejna). Simple, rustic, and deeply comforting.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese rabbit stew with potatoes, carrots, peas and tomato sauce.

85 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Stuffat tal-Fenek (Maltese Rabbit Stew)

Traditional Maltese rabbit stew slow-cooked with tomato, red wine, garlic, potatoes, and peas. A rich national dish for sharing.

Watercolour illustration of stuffed beef rolls in tomato sauce with peas and an egg-filled cut slice.

75 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Bragioli (Maltese Beef Olives)

Bragioli are Maltese stuffed beef rolls with pork, egg, and parsley, simmered in tomato sauce. Learn how to fill, roll, and cook them gently.

Watercolour illustration of a crusty round Maltese loaf with slices showing its airy crumb.

65 min

Maltese · Oven

Ħobż Malti (Maltese Bread)

Bake a crusty Maltese-style loaf with bread flour, dried yeast, and two rises. This home version of ħobż Malti needs no sourdough starter.

Watercolour illustration of Maltese hot chocolate with chestnuts, orange peel, cinnamon and dark chocolate.

105 min

Maltese · Stovetop

Imbuljuta tal-Qastan (Maltese Chestnut and Chocolate Drink)

A warming Maltese drink of tender chestnuts, cocoa, dark chocolate, orange, and cinnamon. Start the dried chestnuts soaking the night before.

Watercolour illustration of golden fried lampuki fillets with garlic, parsley and lemon.

30 min

Maltese · Frying

Lampuki Moqlija (Maltese Fried Mahi-Mahi)

Simple Maltese fried lampuki seasoned with lemon, garlic, parsley, and olive oil. A seasonal fish dish from late summer and autumn.

Watercolour illustration of a sliced lampuki pie filled with fish, spinach, olives and tomato.

105 min

Maltese · Oven

Torta tal-Lampuki (Maltese Fish Pie)

Maltese lampuki pie with mahi-mahi, spinach, olives, capers, and pine nuts in shortcrust pastry. Makes one 24cm pie for 6-8 people.