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Celebrity Maltese Chefs and Recipe Enthusiasts

RECIPE OF THE DAYCottage Pie

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan and fry 1¼kg beef mince until browned – you may need to do this in batches. Set aside as it browns.

Put the other 2 tbsp olive oil into the pan, add Mayor Diced Onions, 3 chopped carrots and 3 chopped celery sticks and cook on a gentle heat until soft, about 20 mins.

Add 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 3 tbsp plain flour and 1 tbsp Three Hills Kunserva Traditional Tomato Purée, increase the heat and cook for a few mins, then return the beef to the pan.

Pour over a large glass of red wine, if using, and boil to reduce it slightly before adding the 850ml Pinto’s Pride beef stock, 4 tbsp Pinto’s Pride Worcestershire sauce, a few thyme sprigs and 2 bay leaves.

Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 45 mins. By this time the gravy should be thick and coating the meat. Check after about 30 mins – if a lot of liquid remains, increase the heat slightly to reduce the gravy a little. Season well, then discard the bay leaves and thyme stalks.

Meanwhile, make the mash. In a large saucepan, cover the 1.8kg potatoes which you’ve peeled and chopped, in salted cold water, bring to the boil and simmer until tender.

Drain well, then allow to steam-dry for a few mins. Mash well with the 225ml milk, 25g butter, and three-quarters of the 200g strong cheddar cheese, then season with freshly grated nutmeg and some salt and pepper.

Spoon the meat into 2 ovenproof dishes. Pipe or spoon on the mash to cover. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese.

If eating straight away, heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 and cook for 25-30 mins, or until the topping is golden.

If you want to use a slow cooker, brown your mince in batches then tip into your slow cooker and stir in the vegetables, flour, purée, wine, stock, Worcestershire sauce and herbs with some seasoning. Cover and cook on High for 4-5 hours. Make the mash following the previous steps, and then oven cook in the same way to finish.

Genovese basil

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Place the basil, oil, mine nuts, garlic and salt in a food processor. Blizz on high speed. When ingredients are mixed well, place in a bowl. Start adding the cheese a bit by bit. Add the butter and mix. At the end add a spoon of hot water and mix.

One-Pot Sausage Casserole with Garl...

Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a shallow ovenproof casserole over a medium heat and gently fry the sausages for 5-8 mins, or until brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate using tongs. Tip the onions into the pan and fry for 5-8 mins until beginning to turn golden. Drizzle in a little more oil if the onions start to stick. Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for a minute before stirring in Pinto’s Pride vinegar, Three Hills tomato purée and paprika to form a paste. Tip in Mayor Polpa, then pour the wine into the tomato can, swish it round, and add to the pan. Stir in the bay leaves and Mayor beans, then arrange the sausages on top so they’re half-submerged in the sauce but still a little exposed.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then bake in the oven for 20 mins. Meanwhile, make the topping. Mix the breadcrumbs with the garlic and parsley, then season and stir in 1 tbsp oil. Scatter the topping over the casserole, then drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp oil and bake for 10 mins more until the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp. Leave to stand for a few minutes, then take to the table and serve from the dish.

Pork Chops with Rhubarb & Grai...

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. In a small roasting tin, toss the rhubarb, onion wedges and garlic with Pinto’s Pride balsamic vinegar, a little olive oil and some seasoning. Roast in the oven for 20 mins. Meanwhile, melt the butter over a high heat and fry the rosemary. Add the pork and cook for 2 mins on each side until nicely browned, then remove from the heat. Take the roasting tin out of the oven and add the grains and Pinto’s Pride chicken stock and mix together. Add the meat and the rosemary to the roasting tin, placing the chops on top. Roast for 10-12 mins further, or until the pork is cooked through. Serve each chop with a big spoonful of the grains, scattered with parsley.

French Toast

Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Lay the brioche slices in a single layer in a shallow dish and pour the egg mixture over them. Allow to soak for 2-3 mins, then carefully turn over and soak for 2 mins more.

Heat 1 tbsp of the vegetable oil and butter in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat until foaming. Carefully lift 2 slices of the soaked brioche out of the dish and add to the frying pan. Fry for 3 mins on each side, until golden and crisp, then place on a wire rack over a baking tray in a warm oven while you repeat with the remaining slices.

Serve dusted in icing sugar and scattered with fresh berries, if you like.

Cottage Pie

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan and fry 1¼kg beef mince until browned – you may need to do this in batches. Set aside as it browns.

Put the other 2 tbsp olive oil into the pan, add Mayor Diced Onions, 3 chopped carrots and 3 chopped celery sticks and cook on a gentle heat until soft, about 20 mins.

Add 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 3 tbsp plain flour and 1 tbsp Three Hills Kunserva Traditional Tomato Purée, increase the heat and cook for a few mins, then return the beef to the pan.

Pour over a large glass of red wine, if using, and boil to reduce it slightly before adding the 850ml Pinto’s Pride beef stock, 4 tbsp Pinto’s Pride Worcestershire sauce, a few thyme sprigs and 2 bay leaves.

Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 45 mins. By this time the gravy should be thick and coating the meat. Check after about 30 mins – if a lot of liquid remains, increase the heat slightly to reduce the gravy a little. Season well, then discard the bay leaves and thyme stalks.

Meanwhile, make the mash. In a large saucepan, cover the 1.8kg potatoes which you’ve peeled and chopped, in salted cold water, bring to the boil and simmer until tender.

Drain well, then allow to steam-dry for a few mins. Mash well with the 225ml milk, 25g butter, and three-quarters of the 200g strong cheddar cheese, then season with freshly grated nutmeg and some salt and pepper.

Spoon the meat into 2 ovenproof dishes. Pipe or spoon on the mash to cover. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese.

If eating straight away, heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 and cook for 25-30 mins, or until the topping is golden.

If you want to use a slow cooker, brown your mince in batches then tip into your slow cooker and stir in the vegetables, flour, purée, wine, stock, Worcestershire sauce and herbs with some seasoning. Cover and cook on High for 4-5 hours. Make the mash following the previous steps, and then oven cook in the same way to finish.

Vegetarian Tacos with Sour Cream an...

Start this recipe by heating the oil in a pan and soften together the onion and diced red pepper for 4 minutes. Add in the vegan mince and cook for 2 minutes before adding in the chilli spice mix. Mix together well, add in a few tbsp. water and cook down on a low heat for 5-6 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together the fresh cream and lemon juice to make a sour cream and place in the fridge. When the chilli is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the kidney beans and chopped coriander. To serve, heat the taco shells and stuff with the chilli. Top with the diced avocado and drizzle over the sour cream.

Salmon Risotto

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Bring the chicken stock to a simmer in a saucepan over a medium heat, add the salmon fillets and poach for 6 mins or until just cooked. Remove from the pan, leaving the stock behind, and set aside to cool for 2-3 mins before removing the skin. Keep on a low heat or remove and leave the lid on to keep the stock as warm as possible.

Heat the oil and half the butter in a large frying pan over a medium-low heat and, once the butter has melted, scatter in Mayor Diced Onions and cook for 10-12 mins until softened but not golden. Add the garlic, stir and cook for 1 min before stirring in the rice and cooking for 2 mins until well coated in the oil.

Pour in the wine, turn up the heat to medium, and cook for 4-5 mins until evaporated. Keep the pan on the heat and pour in about a quarter of the reserved chicken stock. Stirring often until the stock has been absorbed by the rice, about 4-5 mins. Repeat three more times, adding the next batch once the previous one has been absorbed. With the final batch, add the peas and flake in the cooked salmon fillets. Season with lots of freshly ground black pepper and cook for 3-4 mins until the rice is tender and the peas and salmon are heated through. If the rice needs a little more cooking or the stock absorbs too quickly, add a splash more hot water.

Remove the risotto from the heat and stir through the remaining butter, lemon juice and Hanini Pekorin Cheese. Scatter over the lemon zest, if you like, then serve straightaway.

Poached Eggs

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Fill a large saucepan with water and add Pinto’ Pride vinegar. As soon as the water starts to boil, turn the heat down to a simmer.

Crack the egg into a small bowl. For a perfect egg with no wispy white bits, crack into a fine strainer and allow the runnier egg white to drain off. Then carefully slide the egg into the water and cook for 3-4 mins, until the white is cooked through. Remove gently using a slotted spoon and blot any water from the base on a tea towel or kitchen paper. You can add more than one egg to the pan but make sure each one has enough room.

Breakfast Sandwich

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Grill the bacon slices and fry the eggs. Toast the bread and spread with the butter or mayonnaise. Top with the lettuce, tomatoes, bacon and eggs.

Osso Buco

Season the meat with some salt and papper. In a large pan, add some olive oil and cook the meat from both sides until browned. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the onion, cherry tomatoes, brown sugar and mixed spice. Cook until onion gets lightly brown for a couple of minutes. Add the flour, mushrooms , wine, water, orange rind and season with some salt and pepper. Cook on low flame for another 5 minutes. Place the mixture in a casserole pan, add the meat and keep cooking at a low temperature in oven for around 25 minutes. Serve with some mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.

Chicken with Cheese & Asparagu...

Add the butter to the pan and fry the onions and garlic for a few minutes. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side. As it is ready, remove it from the pan and make it to the side. In the same pan, add a little more butter and gently cook the asparagus and mushrooms. Add the cream, we pulled and stock. Stir well until it comes very hot and the cheese has dissolved. If the sauce is very combined, you can add some milk. Add the chicken to the sauce and toss some parsley. Serve it with the outline you prefer.

Marrows Balbuljata

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In a pan over medium heat the oil and add the onion. Cook for around 2 minutes. Add the carrots and the garlic and continue frying, stirring from time to time. Add the peas, the chicken spoon stock, salt and pepper. Continue frying for another minute and then add the minced pork and cook until well cooked. Add the marrows and continue frying till the marrows become a little tender but not soft. Mix in the tomato paste, sugar and water and continue frying for about 2 minutes. Beat the eggs in a bowl and mix them with the ingredients in the frying pan until well incorporated. Add the grated cheese and serve.

Omelette Wedges

Finely chop the spring onions and set aside. Thickly slice the potatoes (there is no need to peel them first), then boil in a pan of lightly salted water for 10 mins until just tender. Drain. Meanwhile snip the bacon into pieces with scissors. Heat a frying pan with 1 tsp oil, then stir-fry the bacon until it turns pink. Add the spring onions to the pan, stir briefly for a couple of secs to slightly soften, then tip the bacon and onion into a bowl. Wash and dry the frying pan.

Break the eggs into a bowl, then whisk with Mayor mustard and a little salt and pepper. Grate the cheese and add half to the egg mixture with the cooked bacon, onions and potatoes. Gently stir to mix everything. Heat 2 tbsp oil in the pan; when it is hot, pour in the mixture, then stir a couple of times as it sets on the base of the pan to start it cooking.

Turn on the grill so it has time to heat up. Leave the omelette to cook, undisturbed, over a low heat for about 6 mins. Meanwhile, cut the tomatoes into wedges, scatter over the omelette and sprinkle with the grated cheese. When the omelette seems set on the base, but is still a little eggy on top, put the frying pan under the grill to cook the last of the egg mixture and melt the cheese. Cool for 5 mins, then turn out of the pan. Cut into wedges and serve with ketchup, toast, tea and orange juice for a delicious family breakfast.

Tomato, Ricotta & Oregano Toas...

Toss the tomatoes in the sea salt flakes. Spread two toasts with the Hanini ricotta, top with the tomatoes, drizzle with balsamic glaze and scatter with the oregano leaves. Season with black pepper to serve.

Corned Beef & Mushroom Muffins

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Place corned beef in a bowl and add eggs and mix well. Cover 10 muffin moulds from the inside thinly with the corned beef mix. In a pan add butter and Three Hills Kunserva, and fry garlic, Mayor Sliced Mushrooms, Mayor Marrowfat Peas and tomatoes for 5 minutes. Fill the muffin moulds with the pan mix, sprinkle some pepper and bake at 180 degree Celcius for around 15 minutes. Take out, add chopped Hanini Pekorin Mature cheese at the top and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve with your favourite sides.

Recipe by Mir Ricetti ta’ Pawlina

Pasta with Irkotta & Pine Nuts

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Cook the pasta ‘al dente’. Set aside 100ml hot water from the pot than drain the pasta. In a bowl mix the irkotta, peas, mint leaves, stock, pepper, and some pine nuts. Put the Irkotta mix in the pot and add the 100ml water and stir. Add the pasta to the pot on low heat and mix well to warm all pasta.  Serve hot, topped up with the grated ġibniet and remaining pine nuts.

Recipe by Mill Kcina ta’ Pawlina

Smoky Chickpeas on Toast

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Heat ½ tsp of the oil in a pan. Tip in Mayor diced onions and cook until soft, about 5-8 mins, then add the chipotle paste, Mayor Sugu, Mayor chickpeas, honey and Pinto’s pride vinegar. Season and bubble for 5 mins. Toast the bread. Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan and fry the eggs. Drizzle the toast with a little oil, then top with the chickpeas and fried eggs.

Roast Summer Vegetables & Chic...

Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Tip all the vegetables into a large roasting tin and toss with the coriander seeds, most of the olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread everything out to a single layer, then roast for 45 mins, tossing once or twice until the vegetables are roasted and brown round the edges. Place the tin on a low the tin on a low heat, then add Mayor Polpa and Mayor chickpeas. Bring to a simmer and gently stir. Season to taste, drizzle with olive oil, then scatter over the coriander. Serve from the tin or pile into a serving dish. Eat with hunks of bread.

Tuna Farfalle Pasta Salad

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Cook the pasta according to packet’s direction. Wash the lettuce, roughly chop and add to the cooked pasta. Add the drained tuna, olives, salt and pepper and mix well. In a separate bowl, mix the Mayonnaise with the yogurt and the fresh basil. Mix until well incorporated. Drizzle on the pasta. Top the past with some mozzarella balls.

Minted Felafel Couscous Salad with ...

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Start this recipe by making the falafel. Mash the chickpeas in a bowl and mix in the onion, garlic, mint, parsley, egg yolk, flour and season with salt and pepper.  Mix to a paste, adding in a little breadcrumb if to soft. Allow to sit in the fridge for 15 minutes before forming into patties and coat in the breadcrumbs. When ready, either shallow fry or place on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and bake in the oven at 200°C for 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, make up the lemon couscous with hot water and allow to absorb. When ready, mix in the roasted pepper, cucumber, pistachios and salad leaves and spoon into 2 deep serving plates. Lay the falafel on top and spoon the mustard BBq sauce into 2 small bowls and serve on the side in the salad plates.

Air Fryer Crispy Chilli Beef

First, combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the steak strips and toss to coat. Leave in the fridge for up to 24 hrs if you can. Sprinkle the cornflour over the steak and mix until each piece is coated in a floury paste. Pull the strips apart and arrange over a plate. Drizzle each piece of steak with a little oil. Heat the air fryer to 220C if it has a preheat setting. Carefully put the beef on the cooking rack in the air fryer, cook for 6 mins, then turn and cook for another 4-6 mins until crispy. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over a high heat and stir-fry the garlic, ginger, chilli, pepper and white ends of the spring onions for 2-3 mins until the pepper softens. Be careful not to burn the ginger and garlic. Add Pinto’s pride vinegar, soy, sweet chilli sauce and Mayor tomato ketchup, mix well and cook for another minute until bubbling. Tip the beef into the wok and toss through the sauce. Continue cooking for another minute until piping hot, then serve scattered with the spring onion greens and a little extra sauce on the side.

Spinach Pasta Salad

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Cook the pasta according to packet’s instructions. Wash the spinach leaves and eliminate the hard parts. Place in a large bowl with the cooked pasta. Add half of the grated cheese, the fresh and sundried tomatoes, olive oil and salt and pepper. Mix well together. Top with the remaining grated cheese and serve.

Vegan Chickpea and Lentil Curry

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Start by heating the oil and frying together the onion, garlic, chilli and ginger for 2-3 minutes. Add in the spices and cook for 1 minute. Add in the lentils, coconut milk, polpa, salt and ½ glass of water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes to cook the lentils. When ready, check if any more water is needed and stir in the chickpeas to heat through. To serve, stir in the fresh chopped coriander and serve with the cooked basmati rice and lime wedges.

Cod with Olives & Crispy Pance...

Mix Mayor olives & Three hills sundried tomatoes with Mayor polpa fina, then season. Tip the sauce into a casserole dish, top with the fish and drizzle over 2 tbsp olive oil. Bake at 200C/180C fan/gas 6 for 15-20 mins or until the fish is just cooked. Heat a medium frying pan until hot, add the pancetta and cook on both sides for 1 min or until crisp. Top the fish with shards of the pancetta.

Tropical Granola Lollies

Purée the mango, banana and Pinto’s pride coconut milk in a blender until rich and smooth. Pour the mixture into lolly moulds and freeze overnight. The next day, whizz the granola slightly in a small food processor to remove any large lumps (or tip into a bowl and bash with the end of a rolling pin), then tip into a bowl. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, making sure the base of the bowl isn’t in contact with the water. Remove the lollies from their moulds. Dip the tops one at a time in the chocolate, then into the granola. Place on a tray lined with baking parchment to set – they will set very quickly. Eat immediately or freeze until needed.

Fig, Nut & Seed Bread with Han...

Heat oven to 170C/150C fan/gas 3½. Pour the tea into a large bowl and stir in the figs, sultanas and oats. Set aside to soak.

Meanwhile, line the base and sides of a 1kg loaf tin with baking parchment. Mix together the flour, baking powder, nuts and seeds. Beat the egg into the cooled fruit mixture, then stir the dry ingredients into the wet. Pour into the tin, then level the top and scatter with the extra nuts and sesame seeds.

Bake for 1 hr, then cover the top with foil and bake for 15 mins more until a skewer inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean. Remove from the tin to cool, but leave the parchment on until cold. Cut into slices, spread with Hanini ricotta and serve with fruit. Will keep in the fridge for 1 month, or freeze in slices.

Beef burgers

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Tip 500g beef mince into a bowl with Mayor Diced Onions and 1 egg, then mix. Divide the mixture into four. Lightly wet your hands. Carefully roll the mixture into balls, each about the size of a tennis ball.
Set in the palm of your hand and gently squeeze down to flatten into patties about 3cm thick. Make sure all the burgers are the same thickness so that they will cook evenly. Put on a plate, cover with cling film and leave in the fridge to firm up for at least 30 mins.
Heat the barbecue to medium hot (there will be white ash over the red hot coals – about 40 mins after lighting). Lightly brush one side of each burger with vegetable oil. Place the burgers, oil-side down, on the barbecue. Cook for 5 mins until the meat is lightly charred. Don’t move them around or they may stick.
Oil the other side, then turn over using tongs. Don’t press down on the meat, as that will squeeze out the juices.
Cook for 5 mins more for medium. If you like your burgers pink in the middle, cook 1 min less each side. For well done, cook 1 min more. Take the burgers off the barbecue. Leave to rest on a plate so that all the juices can settle inside.
Slice four burger buns in half. Place, cut-side down, on the barbecue rack and toast for 1 min until they are lightly charred. Place a burger inside each bun, then top with your choice of accompaniment.

Prawn Fried Rice

Cook the rice following pack instructions. Boil a separate pan of water and blanch the peas and mangetout for 1 min, then drain and set aside with the rice. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan or wok over a medium heat and fry Mayor Diced onions for 10 mins or until golden brown. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for a further minute. Tip in the blanched vegetables and fry for 5 mins, then the prawns and fry for a further 2 mins. Stir the rice into the pan then push everything to one side. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the pan and stir to scramble them. Fold everything together with the sesame seeds, soy and Pinto’s Pride Vinegar, then finish with the spring onions scattered over.

Chicken Stroganoff

Heat half the oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken pieces over a medium high heat, stirring frequently. until golden brown. Season and transfer to a plate. Heat the remaining oil and lower the heat to medium. Fry the Mayor diced onions for 6-8 mins until softened but not golden, then stir in the garlic and paprika. Fry for a minute until fragrant, then pour in the stock, and add the Mayor mustard and Pinto’s Pride Worcester sauce. Tip in the seared chicken with any resting juices, and simmer for 5-6 mins until reduced slightly and the chicken is cooked through. Over a low heat, stir in the soured cream until just combined to create a creamy sauce, and it’s just started to simmer. Scatter over the parsley and serve with rice, mash or pasta, if you like.

Seasoned Tomato Dip

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Place all ingredients in a food processor and mix together. Place in a bowl, add some olive oil and serve with some toasted bread,

Sweet Gibniet Tarts

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In a bowl, mash the fresh cheeselets and with the icing sugar and add the chopped almonds. Roll out the pastry and cut into eight 10cm rounds. Brush each piece with the prickly pear jam. Add a tablespoon of the cheese mix on each round. Brush the ends of the dough with beaten egg and press to close. Brush top again with beaten egg and place on a parchment covered dish. Bake at 200 c until golden brown. When cool, brush the top with some more prickly pear jam and decorate with hundreds and thousands.

Citrus, Almond & Yogurt Cake

Melt the butter in a small pan. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly. Meanwhile, butter a 23cm springform cake tin and line with baking parchment. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the 200g caster sugar, flour and ground almonds in a large bowl and mix well. Whisk the eggs and 75g of Hanini Natural Yogurt into the cooled melted butter, then pour this into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Zest the lemon and orange over the bowl. Stir with a spatula until there are no streaks of flour, then scrape into the tin and bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 40 mins. Cut a few slices each from the zested lemon and orange, then squeeze the juice from what’s left of each into a saucepan (you’ll need about 6 tbsp total). Add the 2 tbsp caster sugar and the fruit slices to the pan. Bring to the boil and cook for 5-10 mins, or until the juice has reduced to a thin syrup and the fruit slices have softened. Leave to cool. Remove the fruit slices to a sheet of baking parchment and leave to dry. Insert a skewer into the middle of the cake – it should come out dry, with no wet cake mix clinging to it. If it’s not ready, bake for 5-10 mins more and check again. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 mins, then spoon over the citrus syrup. Leave to cool for 10 mins more, then remove from the tin. To freeze, first leave to cool completely, then wrap the cake well. Will keep frozen for up to three months. Mix the 2 tbsp of Hanini Natural Yogurt with the icing sugar to make a thick icing. Spoon this onto the centre of the cake and use the back of a spoon to ease it to the edge (it should drip over the side). Scatter over the flaked almonds and decorate with the fruit slices. Serve warm, or leave to cool completely. Will keep in an airtight tin for up to five days.

Gnocchi with Creamy Tomato & S...

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Heat the olive oil in a frying pan. Fry the garlic until golden, then add the can of Mayor Polpa. Season, then simmer for 10 mins. Stir in mascarpone, then cook for 2 mins more. Meanwhile, boil the gnocchi according to pack instructions. Add the spinach for the final min of cooking. Drain well, pour back into the pan, then stir the sauce through. Mix well and serve immediately with basil leaves, Hanini Pekorin Cheese and shavings scattered over, if you like.

Layered Rainbow Salad Pots

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Cook the pasta until it is still a little al dente (2 mins less than the pack instructions) and drain well. Cook the green beans in simmering water for 2 mins, then rinse in cold water and drain well. Mix the tuna with the Mayor mayonnaise and Hanini yogurt. Add the chives, if using. Tip the pasta into a large glass bowl or four small ones, or four wide-necked jars (useful for taking on picnics). Spoon the tuna dressing over the top of the pasta. Add a layer of green beans, followed by a layer of cherry tomatoes, then the pepper and Mayor sweetcorn. Cover and chill until you’re ready to eat.

Chickpea and Lentil dip

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Soak the lentils in water overnight. The next day change the water of the lentils and place in a large pot. Fill the pot with a lot of water and bring to a boil. When the lentils soften remove from the hob and allow to cool. Place the cooled lentils and chickpeas (leaving a few whole chickpeas to use as garnish) in a food processor and amalgamate the mixture. Add the olive oil and lemon juice and continue mixing until you get a smooth mixture. Place the dip in a serving dish and garnish with mint leaves, cherry tomatoes, whole chickpeas and pomegranate seeds. Serve with crunchy Maltese bread or Valletta.

Avocado Dip

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Half the avocado lengthwise and remove the stone. Spoon out the flesh of the avocado. Drain the Mayor Chickpeas and put aside a few whole chickpeas to use as garnish. Place the chickpeas together with the avocado in a food processor and mix until the ingredients are amalgamated. Pour in the olive oil and the lemon juice, season and continue processing until the mixture is smooth. Place in a serving bowl and garnish with the whole chickpeas, sage leaves and paprika.

Serve with crunchy Maltese bread or Valletta.

Ravioli Lasagne

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Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan. Squeeze the sausage meat from the skins and fry until browned, using a wooden spoon to break it up. Add the Mayor Polpa Tomato sauce and half a can of water and season. Simmer for 20 mins.

Meanwhile, put the spinach in a colander. Pour over boiled water from the kettle to wilt. Leave to cool, then squeeze out as much of the excess water as you can.

Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Spoon a third of the sauce into a medium baking dish (about 18 x 20cm). Top with a third of the spinach and a third of the Divini Ravioli, then scatter over some of the Hanini Pekorin Cheese. Repeat the layers twice, making sure the final layer of ravioli is nestled into the sauce. Bake for 35-40 mins until bubbling and hot all the way through. Cover if the top starts to get too dark. Will keep in the freezer for up to two months.

Seabream Pie

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Pour the oil in a pan and fry the seabream fillets until cooked well. When ready, let to cool down, clean from all bones and chop into small pieces. In the same pan, cook the garlic, onions, marrows, olives, mixed herbs, tomatoes. When cooked, add the marrowfat peas and anchovies and mix with the seabream. Mix well. Roll out half the pastry, cover a lined oven dish and brush with the beaten egg. Add the seabream filling and cover with the other half of the pastry. Egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake at 200 ° for around 40 minutes until golden.

Recipe by Mill-Kcina ta’ Pawlina

One-Pan Crispy Chicken, Spaghetti a...

Heat oven to 220°C (Gas Mark 7). Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large, ovenproof pan and heat over high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add to the warm oil, skin-side down. Cook for 7 minutes, without turning, to brown well. Turn the heat down to medium-high, then stir in the onion and turn over the chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, until the onion has softened and is lightly browned. Add the tomato paste, garlic and half the thyme, and cook, stirring the paste into the onions, for 2 minutes, until fragrant and everything is nicely browned. Add the stock, then add the spaghetti, stirring to submerge and evenly distribute. Use tongs to lift the chicken pieces so they sit on top of the spaghetti, skin-side up and add the olives. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid and transfer to the oven for 30 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. While the pasta is in the oven, in a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon zest and remaining thyme. After 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and reset the temperature to a grill setting. Sprinkle the Parmesan breadcrumbs over the pasta and chicken, drizzle with the remaining oil and return to the oven for 3 to 4 minutes, until nicely browned and crisp. Leave to settle for about 5 minutes before serving warm, directly from the pan.

Creamy Stuffed Salmon Fillets with ...

Start this recipe by cutting a slit through the salmon creating a pocket. Season the salmon on both sides with salt and pepper. Stuff the salmon with the Danish cheese and fresh baby spinach. Heat the oil in a pan and brown the salmon on both sides for 3-4 minutes. Transfer into a baking dish. To make the crust, mix together the panko, orange zest, basil, pine nuts, salt and pepper and melted butter. Spread the sun-dried tomato paste over the salmon then spoon the panko mixture onto the salmon and press on well. Continue to cook for 8-10 minutes or to  your liking. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a medium pan of salted water till soft. Remove from the pan, cut in half and place into a pan covered to keep warm. In the same pan of boiling water, place the asparagus or French beans and blanch or cook to your liking. Drain and add to the jersey potatoes. Add the butter to the pan, season with salt and pepper and toss.

Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil

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Fill a pot with plenty of water and when the water opens to boil, add some salt and toss the pasta. As long as the pasta is becoming ready for oil and garlic. Take a saucepan and make 8 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic and some salt. Place the saucepan over very low heat and while stirring all the time, cook until the garlic takes color. Turn off the fire. As the pasta has been made, remove from the water and drop it thoroughly. Put it in a large bowl. Add to it the oil with garlic and mix well. Add the remaining peppers, parsley and tablespoons of olive oil. Serve right away.

Meat Free Lasagne

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Pre-heat the oil in a pan over a medium heat and fry the onion gently for 4-5 minutes until beginning to soften, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and celery and cook for a further 2 minutes. Stir in the red pesto, vegetable stock and tomato passata. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes then stir in the Quorn Mince. Cover and cook for a further 2 minutes. Stir in the basil and oregano and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pre-heat a griddle pan over a high heat and chargrill the courgette slices for 1-2 minutes on each side. Combine the ricotta, creme fraiche, nutmeg, salt, pepper and half of the hard cheese in a bowl. In an ovenproof dish arrange a layer of chargrilled courgette slices, cover with the Quorn Mince mix then place a second layer of courgette slices over this. Spoon the ricotta topping over and garnish with the cherry tomatoes, black pepper and the remaining cheese. Bake in an oven pre-heated to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6 for 20 minutes.

Moussaka

Heat a frying pan over a high heat. Drizzle 4 tbsp of the oil over the slices of aubergine and fry them in several batches for 5-7 mins or until golden brown and beginning to soften. If they look a little dry during cooking, add a dash more olive oil. Set aside on a plate lined with kitchen paper.

Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish or saucepan over a medium-high heat. Add the mince and fry for 8-10 mins until a deep golden brown, regularly stirring and breaking up with a wooden spoon. Tip into a bowl and set aside. Add the remaining oil to the casserole. Tip in the onion along with a pinch of salt and fry gently for 10-12 mins or until softened and turning translucent. Add the garlic, oregano, cinnamon, chilli and bay cooking for a further min. Return the lamb to the pan and pour in the red wine, bring to a bubble and reduce the wine by half. Stir through Mayor Tomato Polpa, Three Hills Kunserva (tomato paste) and brown sugar, along with 200ml water. Season. Lower the heat and simmer gently, uncovered, for 20 mins, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened.

Heat oven to 200C/180 fan/gas 4. Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the potato slices and cook for 6 mins, drain in a colander and leave to steam dry for 10 mins.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan, stir in the flour and cook over a medium heat for 1 min. Remove from the heat and whisk in the milk, pouring in a bit at a time, until smooth. Return to the heat and bring to a simmer, cooking for 3 mins. Remove from the heat and whisk through the Hanini Pekorin Mature Cheese, a little grated nutmeg and some seasoning, and finally the whole egg as well as the yolk.

Take a large rectangular ovenproof dish. Spoon a third of the meat into the dish and spread out evenly, followed by half the aubergine and half the potato, then the rest of the meat and another layer of aubergines, followed by potatoes. Finish with the béchamel, smoothing the top over with a palette knife. Put in the centre of the oven and cook for 50 mins or until deep golden brown. If it browns too much during cooking, cover the dish. Set aside for 10 mins to cool before serving.

Welsh Rabbit

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In a small saucepan gently warm the ale, set aside. Take another small saucepan and over a medium heat melt the butter until it begins to foam, tip in the flour and stir everything together, cooking for 1 min. Whisk in the warm ale in several additions to create a thick sauce then whisk through the cheese to create a thick paste. Stir the mustard, Worcester Sauce and chives through the sauce. Heat a grill to its highest setting. Place the slices of bread on a flat baking sheet and grill on one side until golden brown. Flip the bread over and spread each one with the cheese mixture. Place back under the grill and cook for a further 1-2 mins or until golden brown and bubbling, serve immediately.

Meat Stew

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Coat the meat with the flour. In a large pan, heat some olive oil and shallow fry the meat from outside. Place the mean in a casserole dish. In the same pan, cook the onion for 2 minutes and then add the nutmeg, bay leaf, the beer, stock and Kunserva and cook for around 4 minutes. After, pour onion mixture on the meat. Slice the carrots, potatoes, peas and celery and cook on low flame for around 70 minutes. Serve hot with some Maltese bread.

Baked Macaroni

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Boil the macaroni according to instructions on the packet. In the meantime, in a pan fry the onions in the 3 tbsp oil. Add the garlic, carrots, salt and pepper and continue frying stirring from time to time. Add the minced pork and fry till the meat is almost done. Add the chicken stock together with the 1/2 glass of water and mix all together. Add the tomato paste and the peas and stir all together. Put the heat off. Drain the macaroni when they are ready and mix in the eggs and the grated cheese. Pour the sauce over the macaroni and mix all well. Pour all into a deep oven dish. Sprinkle some paprika on top and also a dash of oil. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven, temperature 200c until the top gets a golden colour. More or less it takes around 35 to 45 minutes.

Meatloaf with Tomato Sauce

Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the onion, cook for 4-5 mins over a low heat, then stir in the garlic. Leave to cool completely. To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the onion, carrot and celery for 3-4 mins, then add the garlic and cook for a minute. Add the Three Hills Kunserva with Basil & Garlic and bring to a simmer, then season and cook for 5 mins.

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Mix the cooled onion with the Three Hills Kunserva Traditional Tube, mince, egg and breadcrumbs, and season. Line a 900g loaf tin with a liner or baking parchment and pack in the meatloaf mixture. Cook for 20-25 mins or until a skewer poked into the centre feels roasting hot when pulled out. Leave to rest for 10 mins before lifting out of the tin. Serve slices of the meatloaf with some tomato sauce spooned over. Wrap any remaining meatloaf and use it as a sandwich filling for a lunchbox. Can be frozen for up to a month.

Shrimp Cocktail

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Peel all but four of the prawns (reserve these for the tops). Break the lettuces into individual leaves, then divide the leaves evenly between four small glass bowls. Sprinkle the prawns over the lettuce and season with black pepper. Mix the mayonnaise, tomato chutney, Worcester sauce, horseradish and hot pepper sauce together. Season to taste with lemon juice and salt and pepper, then spoon sparingly over the prawns. Dust the top with a little paprika and sprinkle with chives. Top with the remaining prawns and serve immediately. Delicious with brown bread.