Ġbejna (Maltese pronunciation: [ˈd͡ʒbɛjnɐ], plural ġbejniet) are cheeselets typically made from sheep milk, salt, and rennet. They are prepared and served in a variety of forms: pickled, salted, peppered, covered in herbs, dried, or as a plain, fresh cheeselet. Trying a fresh Maltese ġbejna when visiting Malt is definitely a must! Planning a trip to … Continue reading (Video) Maltese Ġbejna
Yummy! Prickly Pear season is on (Video)
Prickly Pear season is on! Fruit and vegetable stalls are coloured by the vibrant fruit of the prickly pear (bajtar tax-xewk in Maltese) cactus plant. Malta’s hot climate makes it an ideal place for these to grow. First used by the Knights of St John for its moisturising properties, and later by farmers as a … Continue reading Yummy! Prickly Pear season is on (Video)
Seven of the Best Breakfast Places in Malta
Breakfast- the most important meal of the day. That is the undisputed fact. But what if I tell you- it can be the best meal of the day? Here are the top five places in Malta, for the best breakfasts of your entire life! 1. Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar Palazzo Parisio (also known as Scicluna Palace) … Continue reading Seven of the Best Breakfast Places in Malta
The Ultimate Guide to BBQs in Malta
September and October in Malta are those two months when there is plenty of sunshine while it's not too hot. This makes this season perfect for having BBQ somewhere by the sea. However, it turns out that BBQ-ing al fresco in Malta can be tricky- not every beach is available. Where can I go? Do … Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to BBQs in Malta
6 Maltese Things that you need to Take Home with you
What happens to the stereotypical souvenirs we usually buy? The key chain- we attach it to our keys for a while, until it gets caught to our clothes and we end up hating it forever after. The mug with the Eiffel tower on the side? It’s probably collecting dirt in the cupboard, because let’s face … Continue reading 6 Maltese Things that you need to Take Home with you
5 Hip Vegan Restaurants/Cafes in Malta to Check Out This Summer
Summer is a perfect time to embark on lifestyle changes. While the Maltese Isles are renowned for their own local specialties and out–of-this-world seafood dishes, with the numbers in vegetarian and vegan community growing steadily, Malta’s vegan and vegetarian eateries have been booming with new popularity boasting exotic, summer-fresh and utterly yummy offers. For your … Continue reading 5 Hip Vegan Restaurants/Cafes in Malta to Check Out This Summer
Malta’s Trendiest Cocktail/Wine Bars
Whether you're looking for somewhere to stop off for a pre-party cocktail or you need a perfect place for an evening hideaway to enjoy a decent draft beer or good quality wine, there's a worthy drinking spot to suit every taste. Scroll on to discover the finest cocktail/wine bars the Island has to offer. Cheers! … Continue reading Malta’s Trendiest Cocktail/Wine Bars
Malta’s Up-and-Coming Coffee Culture
As the cooler season is settling in, you are probably planning on spending some time getting lost in the labyrinths of winding city streets, admiring the unique Maltese architecture (a blend of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and British influences) and happily stumbling upon the one–of–a-kind coffee shops offering mouth-watering treats and really amazing coffee. If you … Continue reading Malta’s Up-and-Coming Coffee Culture
Maltese Honey (Video)
Malta is renowned for it’s pure honey and it was a great pleasure meeting Arnold, who walked us through the process of producing this Maltese gold. Malta’s warm climate allows for a very rich honey production with 8 seasons of honey in one year. Make sure to try some genuine Maltese honey when visiting the … Continue reading Maltese Honey (Video)
Healthy and Delicious with a Mediterranean Twist
Aside from its natural “wonders” Malta is well-known for its hospitality and a myriad of culinary delights ranging from traditional Maltese dishes (a blend of Sicilian, Arabic, English, French and Spanish cuisine) countless home-made Italian pasta varieties, an abundance of fresh and delicious seafood choices to endless fresh salad concoctions that will satisfy the most … Continue reading Healthy and Delicious with a Mediterranean Twist
Recipe Monday – Salt Cod Fritters
Ingredients 500g salt cod 50g plain flour 1tsp baking power Pinch of salt Lemon Juice 2 cloves of garlic, crushed Method Soak the cod in cold water overnight, discard and replace the water sever times (soak during the day so you don't have to wake up at night 🙂 ) Make the batter and add … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Salt Cod Fritters
Recipe Monday – Lemon Granita
Summer is here! Let's make some granitas! Ingredients Half litre lemon juice 1 litre water Sugar as much as you please Method Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice (around 10 ripe lemons) & water in a saucepan. Put it on low heat. When the mixture is warm enough pour in the sugar & stir until … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Lemon Granita
Recipe Monday – Mushroom Risotto
Ingredients olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 300g chestnut mushrooms, sliced 400gr arborio rice 2 glasses dry white wine 1.5 liters/2 pints hot vegetable stock 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 knob butter Salt and freshly ground black pepper 120g grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated Parmesan, to serve Method Heat … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Mushroom Risotto
Recipe Monday – Gluten Free Pizza
Ingredient 400g Farmo Fibrepan 50g Farina di Mais Finissima Nutrifree 50g Farina di Riso Nutrifree 370ml tepid water 14g fresh yeast or 7g dried/easy blend yeast 1 tsp sugar 1 tbsp Olive Oil 1 level tsp salt 2 tbsp Butter Topping Tomato Sauce or Passata Bufala Mozzarella Sliced Egg Tomatoes (oval shaped tomatoes) Fresh Basil … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Gluten Free Pizza
Recipe Monday – Savoury Muffins
Muffins lovers? This recipe is for you! Ingredients 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup yogurt 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 eggs 1 teaspoon turmeric Some dried thyme Parsley Finely chopped tomatoes Turkey ham Chopped cheese Grated and a crushed garlic clove Method In … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Savoury Muffins
Recipe Monday – Soup with meatballs and tortellini (Brodu)
Ingredients: Prepared the meatballs using the following mixture: A mixture of beef and pork mince An egg Some chopped parsley 2 chopped garlic cloves Parmesan and seasoning Method Meanwhile prepare a pot with enough liquid and simmer some carrots, zucchini, an onion, celery, a stock cube, a dash of Worchester sauce and a teaspoon of … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Soup with meatballs and tortellini (Brodu)
Recipe Monday – Summer Pasta Salad (vegetarian)
Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant chopped 4 tomatoes 1 red onion into quarters 5 cloves of garlic 250g pasta Spinach Leaves Olive Oil Balsamic vingear Fresh Gbejna (optional) Method: Put into a slightly greased oven pan. Throw in of garlic (unpeeled). Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper Roast at 180ºC for 1 hour … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Summer Pasta Salad (vegetarian)
Recipe Monday – Cannelloni with Mozzarella, Spinach and Parmesan
Ingredients 1 jar of ready-made tomato sauce 250g fresh spinach leaves 1 packet of cannelloni 1 tub fresh cream 150g freshly grated Parmaggiano Reggiano 200g mozzarella (sliced) 1 large white onion (chopped and softened in olive oil) Large whole black Maltese olives and basil 2 garnish Method Pour the tomato sauce into an ovenproof dish … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Cannelloni with Mozzarella, Spinach and Parmesan
Recipe Monday – Fish Soup (Aljotta)
Ingredients: Some garlic cloves Some oregano & mint Olive oil 2 tablespoons kunserva Fish stock & a hint of chili Fresh fish and around 8 langoustines Method: Sautéed a chopped onion with some garlic cloves, marjoram & mint in a little olive oil Added 2 tablespoons of kunserva fish stock & a hint of chili … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Fish Soup (Aljotta)
If pastizzi then Is-Serkin (Video)
A small bar just 5 minutes away from the old capital of Mdina, the Crystal Palace (known as is-Serkin) is somewhat of an institution with the locals. Serving some of the best ‘Pastizzi’ on the island and tea served in glasses, is-Serkin provides a taste of times past. Fresh, tasty and piping hot, these little … Continue reading If pastizzi then Is-Serkin (Video)
Recipe Monday – Gluten free pudding (pudina)
Ingredients 1 loaf of country life gluten free bread 4 cups of milk Zest of 1 orange 1/2 cup fruit meadly 4 tablespoons brown sugar 3 tablespoons cocoa powder 100gms of 85% dark chocolate 1/2 cup glass cherries 2 eggs Method Breakup the bread into small pieces Place in a bowl with milk and soak … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Gluten free pudding (pudina)
Recipe Monday- Maltese snacks
Galletti Ingredients: 1kg self-raising flour 1 tsp salt 50g fresh yeast 1 tsp sugar 1 cup warm water 60g melted butter Extra warm water Method: 1. Dissolve the yeast and the sugar in a cup of warm water until the mixture is frothy. 2. Mix the flour and the salt in a large bowl and … Continue reading Recipe Monday- Maltese snacks
Il-Ħobż tal-Malti – Maltese Bread (Video)
Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked Maltese bread. Locally referred to as ‘Hobz tal-Malti’, Maltese bread tastes like no other bread in the world! We have followed the bread baking process at Falzon Bakery in Rabat who are still following an old recipe and bake their bread inside a traditional wood fired oven. … Continue reading Il-Ħobż tal-Malti – Maltese Bread (Video)
5 of the most Decadent Desserts to try out this Summer
The yearly tradition dictates that one should work towards a summer body during winter, yet work on a winter body in summer. Insulation is a must, and here at Shortlets Malta, we strive to help you in any way we possibly can (because we care, we really do). So here are the top 5 desserts … Continue reading 5 of the most Decadent Desserts to try out this Summer
Kapunata Maltija (Maltese caponata )
Caponata, a Sicilian and also a Maltese Dish must not be confused with the French Ratatouille. Both use aubergine, but Caponata is flavored with sugar and vinegar whilst in Ratatouille, these ingredients do not feature. Although Sicilian, in Malta, Kapunata is very popular especially in the hot summer months when eaten chilled with fresh crusty … Continue reading Kapunata Maltija (Maltese caponata )
Recipe Monday – Tarja Froġa
Tarja Froġa is a Maltese pasta omelet, traditionally made with vermicelli. This dish was an ingenious way of bulking up freshly cooked pasta or turning leftovers into a second meal, as it comes together without much effort, but disappears just as fast! Ingredients 300grms Vermicelli Spaghetti 3 beaten eggs 5tbs grated cheese seasoning (salt and … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Tarja Froġa
Recipe Monday – Torta tal-Corned Beef (Corned Beef Pie)
Corned Beef was a war-time food staple that people ate out of necessity. Yet it remained a favourite among people of all ages long after the war had ended. Part influenced by the colonial rule of the British, and part out of their sheer love of good food, the Maltese took on corned beef pie … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Torta tal-Corned Beef (Corned Beef Pie)
Have you tried a figolla yet?
‘Figolli’ are traditional Maltese Easter sweet pastries and their recipe that has been inherited through generations over hundreds of years. At Easter time, these are still very popular on the island, and this is not surprising as they taste great!
How to make traditional Maltese kwareżimal
Today’s recipe is a well-loved Maltese classic - kwareżimal! Kwareżimal is a delicious sweet treat synonymous with Lent, just perfect with a strong cup of tea on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The name ‘kwareżimal’ comes from the Italian word ‘quaresima’, referring to the forty days of Lent during which people would still be able to … Continue reading How to make traditional Maltese kwareżimal
Recipe Monday – Kawlata
Kawlata is the kind of soup that originated out of necessity - when people of past times needed to feed as many mouths as possible with as little cost as possible, food had to go a long way. These kinds of soups were invented for this sole purpose, filling empty bellies up with cheap cuts … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Kawlata
Recipe Monday – Fenek Moqli (Fried Rabbit)
Rabbit is what most people think of when conjuring up images of Maltese food. While the traditional Rabbit Stew is the most popular of the two, it's delicious brother Fenek Moqli is just as tasty. Usually served with a side of fries, this dish makes for a perfect Sunday lunch! Ingredients 1 Rabbit Sunflower Oil Fresh … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Fenek Moqli (Fried Rabbit)
Recipe Monday – Kusksu (Broad Bean Soup)
Kusksu is a delicious Maltese heart-warming soup, traditionally made in the Spring, when broad beans are in season. It is a dish that will transport you back to the Maltese islands, with its mixture of traditional tastes and flavours, especially if you add a Gozitan cheeselet (ġbejna) to your recipe. Ingredients Onion Salt and pepper … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Kusksu (Broad Bean Soup)
Recipe Monday – Stuffat tal-Fenek ( Rabbit Stew)
Ah, the ever-popular Stuffat, the dish that screams at you from every Maltese restaurant's menu - boasting to be Malta's national dish. Well, it practically is our national dish, and most of us do eat it every Sunday, religiously. The Stuffat can be enjoyed during Winter or Summer, as a first course and as a second course. … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Stuffat tal-Fenek ( Rabbit Stew)
Recipe Monday – Qarabagħli Mimli il-Forn (Baked Stuffed Marrows)
Qarabagħli - marrows or courgettes, are a staple in Maltese kitchens, one of those vegetables that are ever present on your Nanna's countertop. By far the most traditional Maltese way to cook these versatile vegetables is by stuffing them and baking them, resulting in the mouth-wateringly good Qarabagħli Mimli fil-Forn. Ingredients 6 large marrows 500g mince beef and … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Qarabagħli Mimli il-Forn (Baked Stuffed Marrows)
8 Clever Things to Do with Oranges
The humble orange. As an island located smack dab in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, Malta commands a truly enviable climate for growing citrus fruits! At the right time of the year, you can buy crates of oranges at ridiculously good prices - so sometimes you might find that you’ve got far more fruit … Continue reading 8 Clever Things to Do with Oranges
5 things that are totally unique to the Maltese Islands
Any avid traveller could tell you that there’s no place like Malta. Some may call a trip to Malta a refreshing experience, others… cultural shock. From our loud, passionate natives, to our less than smooth roads (even the Italian actress Monica Bellucci, who came to spend the New Year, commented on how “disastrous” they are), … Continue reading 5 things that are totally unique to the Maltese Islands
Recipe Monday – Imqarrun il-Forn
This Monday we delve into a Maltese favourite - Imqarrun il-Forn (baked macaroni). This dish is perfect for Winter, but would make a great Summer dish too, especially paired with an ice-cold Cisk! The Maltese way is to cook until crispy, however you can modify this method as you prefer. Ingredients: 500g macaroni 2 medium … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Imqarrun il-Forn
Christmas Recipe Monday – Imbuljuta tal-Qastan
Happy Christmas! The day we've all been waiting for is finally here, and between preparing food, opening presents, and eating so much we're going to burst, we have found the time to show you one final Christmassy recipe - Imbuljuta tal-Qastan. This is not a food recipe per se, it is more of a mulled drink, … Continue reading Christmas Recipe Monday – Imbuljuta tal-Qastan
Recipe Monday – Christmas Cake
Christmas is just one week away, and so this week we present to you the epitome of Christmas sweets: the Christmas Cake. Malta's Christmas Cake is pretty much the same as the English Christmas Cake, having been introduced to the island during the 200 years of British Rule. Yet this dessert has formed a special … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Christmas Cake
Recipe Monday – Christmas Log
Christmas is getting nearer! This week we bring you the Maltese-style Christmas Log, which varies from the traditional Yule Log done elsewhere in the world. Our Log is less of a roll and more of a delicious mix of nuts, biscuits and glaced fruits, resulting in one of the most delectable desserts of the holidays. … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Christmas Log
Recipe Monday – Qagħaq Ta’ L-Għasel
Christmas is soon upon us, and with Christmas come all the delicious delicacies associated with the holiday! Malta has some truly decadent sweets associated with this time of year, and we'll start from the popular Qagħaq Ta’ L-Għasel, or Honey Rings. These treacle stuffed pieces of heaven are everywhere come Christmas time in Malta, and … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Qagħaq Ta’ L-Għasel
Recipe Monday – Imqaret
Imqaret are Maltese traditional, diamond shaped sweet pastries, filled with dates and sprinkled with icing sugar. They are a truly decadent dessert, best paired with coffee and a dollop of vanilla ice-cream (you'll thank us later). These sweets can be enjoyed in any season, but they sure do go down well during the cold winter … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Imqaret
Recipe Monday – Ross il-Forn
This Monday we present to you another Maltese popular dish: ross il-forn (baked rice). Especially requested by one of our Facebook followers, this dish makes a hearty dinner option which is perfect for chilly winter days. Ross il-forn makes awfully good comfort food too, even though it is not an unhealthy option - giving you … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Ross il-Forn
How to Have a Perfect Day Out in Gozo
No matter what time of year you choose to visit Malta, any trip to this Mediterranean hotspot is incomplete without spending at least one day exploring our sister island. Gozo (Maltese: Għawdex) is just a 30-minute ferry ride away from the northernmost part of the island, with return tickets costing €4.65 for adults, €1.15 for … Continue reading How to Have a Perfect Day Out in Gozo
Top 5 Healthy Eats in Malta
As I was driving home last night, I noticed that the streets were decorated brightly, some houses already had little Santa Claus robbers climbing up their balcony, and Pama Supermarket readied their Christmas tree outside their shopping mall. Lovely. Then, in a panic, it hit me. It’s Christmas in a month’s time. Sure, Christmas is … Continue reading Top 5 Healthy Eats in Malta
Recipe Monday – Soppa tal-Armla
Soppa tal-armla is a winter staple in many a Maltese home. It is a hearty and filling dish which is also healthy, making it a perfect dinner option on cold Winter nights. 'Soppa tal-Armla' means Widow's Soup in Maltese, and it refers to the humble ingredients it is made up of; ingredients which even Maltese … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Soppa tal-Armla
Recipe Monday – Għadam tal-mejtin
Due to the feedback we received on our recipe posts, we are launching Recipe Monday! Every Monday we will be posting a new recipe from Malta, to inspire you for the upcoming week. This week we focus on l-Għadam tal-Mejtin, a traditional Maltese sweet eaten during the first few days of November, during which we … Continue reading Recipe Monday – Għadam tal-mejtin
5 of the Best Steaks in Malta
Are your inner carnivore senses tingling? Do you need to get your fix? Look no further- this list provides you with an indefinite ranking of the best steakhouses in Malta- the “steaks” have never been higher (get it? Steaks, stakes? Okay, let’s move on)! 1. Brass & Knuckle, Naxxar This restaurant offers the best quality cuts … Continue reading 5 of the Best Steaks in Malta