These traditional Maltese dishes make it a Good Friday 🍞
Nothing says “Maltese tradition” quite like the traditions surrounding Holy Week. Living in a country that considers itself Christian, religious traditions have always been around. And of course, along with the usual processions and stuff, come the traditions associated with food. Let’s face it, even in times where Christians are supposed to fast, the Maltese still made it a must to eat good food. 😏
Check out these traditional meals that are popular during Holy Week, and where you can get them from:
Torta tal-Irkotta
The flaky crust, the warm, creamy, ricotta filling, the little bites of ful inside; the ricotta pie is probably one of the most popular dishes made during Holy Week. It is entirely meat-free and it is the best form of comfort food. It is something that screams ‘home’ so they are rarely found in restaurants. You can either try making it at home or hope that Diar il-Bniet will make one as their seasonal special. The next best thing would be a qassata tal-irkotta! 😍
Qaqocc Mimli
Qaqocc Mimli, or stuffed artichokes, are super popular amongst the Maltese folks, especially around January and February, when they are in season. You can stuff them with tuna, with anchovies, or whatever you feel like, but apart from those, they are almost always stuffed with chopped onions and garlic and fresh parsley. I haven’t come across any at local restaurants, but they’re super easy to make. Give them a try, upload your shots to the Gram and make sure to tag us. 👈
Qassatat or Pastizzi tal-Incova
These are probably my favourites from this list! Although some pastizzerias offer them throughout the year, the qassatat or pastizzi tal-incova (anchovies) are mostly sold during Lent, since they are free of red meat. They are typically a mix of mashed peas and anchovies and the salty kick from the anchovies is everything! 🤤
You can get these from any local pastizzeria, but Maxman in Paola probably makes the best ones. But, hey, you can even try and make them yourself.
Qaghaq tal-Appostli
If you’ve never had a fresh piece of qaghqa tal-appostli (apostles’ ring bread) slathered with butter or with kunserva and bigilla, can you really call yourself Maltese? The best ones are sold at random stalls around towns - they have a truly homemade feel to them. 🥰
The bakery at Corradino Correctional Facility also sells amazing qaghaq tal-appostli which are made by prisoners who work at the bakery. The bakery opens to customers every year during Holy Week! You can also get them from most bakeries around the island. 🍞
Spinach Pie
A pie filled with heaps of spinach is something that will make you feel all warm inside, especially when the filling includes olives and tuna or chunks of octopus. It’s tangy, salty, and crunchy; everything you need from a good pie. It’s popular during Holy Week, and it is sometimes baked alongside ricotta pie so that you can get a portion of both! 🤷
However, just like the ricotta one, it is quite difficult to find in a restaurant. Spinach pie is usually made at home, so get those baking tools out and get rolling. You can also find it in pastizzerias around Malta in the form of a qassata. 😋
Kwarezimal
The Maltese may fast from meat dishes, but their sweet tooth doesn’t go anywhere. Kwarezimal is a popular biscuit made with orange blossom water, ground almonds, honey, mixed spice, and cinnamon. Sweet and zingy, kwarezimal is a delicious sweet treat made during Lent. 🤩
Kwarezimal are super popular, so you can find them at a number of groceries, supermarkets, or bakeries. If you want to try making them yourself, you can follow this recipe.
Karamelli
Speaking of the Maltese having a sweet tooth, there probably isn’t anything sweeter than karamelli during the Lenten period. The full name is actually karamelli tal-harrub, and they’re basically brown glass-like squares made from carob syrup. You might need a visit to the dentist after having these, but they’re delicious! The best karamelli, just like the qaghaq tal-appostli, are found at the random stalls selling bread and Lenten treats. 🍯
What are your favourite traditional foods during Holy Week? Have you ever made any of them at home? Let us know in the comments!
Comments