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Traditional Bigilla with Toasted Maltese Bread - Image 1

Traditional Bigilla with Toasted Maltese Bread

Maltese cuisine
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1 person likes this recipe

Traditional Bigilla with Toasted Maltese Bread

  1. Other Appetizers & Starters

Prep: 15 min • Cook: 5 min. Experience authentic Bigilla, a rustic Maltese dip crafted from mashed broad beans, potent garlic, rich olive oil, and fresh parsley. This hearty and flavorful spread is a staple in Maltese cuisine, offering a taste of the island's rich culinary heritage. Perfect served with crusty, toasted Maltese bread, it makes for an ideal appetizer or snack.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
5 min
Total time
20 min
Servings
6
Course
Appetizer
Complexity
Easy
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Scale:

Ingredients

  • 18oz fava beans(dried, needs soaking overnight)
  • 4 pcs garlic(cloves, minced)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil(extra virgin)
  • 1/4 cup parsley(fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes(optional)
  • salt(to taste)
  • black pepper(to taste)

For Serving

  • 1 pc maltese bread(or any crusty bread, toasted)

Instructions

Preparing the Fava Beans

  1. Soak the dried fava beans in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse well.
  2. Place the soaked fava beans in a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until very tender. Drain thoroughly.

Making the Bigilla

  1. Transfer the cooked fava beans to a food processor or a large bowl if using an immersion blender.
  2. Add minced garlic, olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, and chili flakes (if using) to the fava beans.
  3. Process or mash until smooth. For a more rustic texture, you can leave it slightly chunky.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
  5. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving

  1. While the Bigilla chills, slice the Maltese bread and toast until golden brown and crispy.
  2. Serve the Traditional Bigilla as a dip with the warm, toasted Maltese bread.

Nutrition

Servings
6
Serving size (imperial)
3.5 oz
NutrientPer servingPer 100 gTotal (6 servings)
Calories215.5 kcal215.5 kcal1,293 kcal
Protein8.2 g8.2 g49.2 g
Fat11 g11 g66 g
Carbs21.5 g21.5 g129 g

Tips

  • For a smoother Bigilla, remove the outer skins of the fava beans after cooking by pinching them.
  • If the Bigilla is too thick, add a tablespoon of the fava bean cooking water or a little more olive
  • Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

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