Photo by: Thermomix Malta
This weekend, the Maltese Community Council of NSW will be hosting Maltese Heritage Day at La Valette Social Centre Blacktown, Sydney. It’s such a great opportunity to reflect on and honour the rich tapestry of our cultural traditions, especially those that tantalise our taste buds.
Maltese cuisine, with its unique blend of Mediterranean flavours and time-honoured recipes, holds a special place in our hearts – it is of course, what gives us our cultural identity in the diaspora. However, the thought of preparing these traditional dishes can often seem daunting if you’ve never made a certain dish before, or can’t quite get it to perfection like your nanna did.
This year, I am so excited to be holding a stall at the event. I aim to bridge the gap between tradition and modern convenience by showcasing how the Thermomix® can effortlessly recreate our beloved Maltese recipes. I will have samples of classic traditional foods like bigilla with galletti and qubbajt (nougat) all made with love in my Thermomix®. With the Thermomix®, even the most complex recipes become accessible, saving time and effort while preserving those authentic flavours we cherish so much.
I’ve chosen to feature bigilla, galletti, and qubbajt samples at my stall because not only do these dishes highlight the rich culinary heritage of Malta but also showcase how the Thermomix® can simplify their preparation, preserving those Maltese flavours while saving time and effort.
Bigilla & Galletti
Bigilla is a staple in Maltese cuisine, made from mashed dried broad beans, olive oil, salt, and a hint of chilli. This dish dates back centuries and is often served as a dip alongside crunchy galletti (Maltese water crackers). The beans, known locally as ful ta’ Ġirba, require soaking and cooking, which can be time-intensive. The Thermomix® simplifies this process with its multi-functional capabilities, from soaking to blending, giving you a creamy, flavourful spread in a fraction of the time.
Qubbajt (nougat)
It’s said “a festa without nougat is not a festa” (“Festa bla qubbajd mhix festa”).
Qubbajt, or Maltese nougat, has a history dating back to the Arabic influence on the island, making it a treasured part of Maltese celebrations and feasts. This sweet treat combines nuts, sugar, and honey in a delicate balance. Nougat making can be quite tricky due to the need for precise temperature control and constant stirring. With the Thermomix®, these challenges disappear, ensuring a perfectly textured nougat every time.
Keeping Tradition Alive with Modern Convenience
No matter your cultural background, the Thermomix® makes it easy to keep your culinary heritage alive. With guided cooking and the ability to save your own family recipes, you can preserve and pass down the flavours of your traditions for generations to come.
While these dishes may seem simple, their preparation often involves multiple steps that can be time-consuming. The Thermomix not only streamlines these tasks but also allows you to customise the process. Imagine cooking your nanna’s traditional stuffat (stew) or your mother’s special-ingredient ghagin il-forn (baked macaroni) recipe with guided cooking – ensuring consistent, delicious results every time.
With the Thermomix®, you can save precious time in the kitchen, giving you more moments to enjoy with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a feast or simply want to recreate the tastes of your heritage, the Thermomix® makes it all possible.
I can’t wait to share these delicious samples with you at the MCC’s Maltese Heritage Day and show you how easy it is to keep our culinary traditions alive while embracing the convenience of modern cooking. I hope to inspire fellow Maltese continuing to cook more traditional foods, let’s keep our Maltese heritage alive, one delicious dish at a time!
Details for the event can be found here. Hope to see you there!
If you’d like to learn more about converting your family recipes and saving them on your Thermomix, reach out! I’d be more than happy to help and hear all about where your recipe/s come from!