Have you tried Imqarrun il-Forn? A Taste of Maltese Comfort Food
When the weather is a little up and down on the Maltese islands, it’s easy to want to reach for a hearty comfort food meal to bring everyone indoors and around the table. Luckily, there’s a delicious go-to local dish that beckons, full of fragrant herbs, minced beef, pasta, and plenty of cheese! ‘Imqarrun il-Forn’ is also known as Baked Pasta in English, but rest assured, this is no ordinary pasta bake!
This beloved traditional dish really holds a special place in Maltese cuisine. It’s often enjoyed during family gatherings, with each household adding its unique touch, so much so, you won’t find two recipes exactly the same! Rooted in Mediterranean culinary heritage and influenced by neighbouring Sicily, its irresistible blend of flavours guarantees you’ll be reaching for second helpings.
And here’s the exciting part, renowned home cook Roberta from the popular Facebook page “Rob’s Dishes,” has generously shared her recipe with us, allowing you to savour the essence of Malta in your kitchen! Here’s all you need to know to create this dish at home.
Ingredients
- 500g macaroni
- Olive oil
- Small onion, chopped
- Small carrot, chopped
- Garlic clove, grated
- 50g pancetta
- 400g minced beef
- 700g Passata
- 40ml white wine
- A spoonful of sugar
- A spoonful of grated cheese
- 3 spoons of fresh cream or 5 spoons of milk.
- 1 and a half tablespoons of tomato paste
- ¼ glass of water
- Mixed Herbs & Spices:
– ½ tsp mixed herbs
-2 bay leaves
-Pinch of ground fennel
-½ tsp mixed spice
-⅓ tsp mild curry
-Pinch of cayenne pepper
-½ tsp sweet paprika
Method
1. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions, garlic, carrot, and pancetta until fragrant.
2. Add the minced beef and cook until browned. Stir in the mixed herbs and spices.
3. Add the tomato paste, mix well, and pour the white wine. Allow the alcohol to evaporate.
4. Pour in the passata, add water, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
5. Meanwhile, boil the macaroni for about 7 minutes (2 minutes less than instructed on the package). Drain and set aside.
6. In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix in spoonful of grated cheese and 3 spoons of fresh cream or 5 spoons of milk.
7. Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat sauce, then fold in the egg mixture until evenly coated.
8. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 35 minutes.
9. Finish under the grill at full temperature for a few minutes until the surface is slightly golden brown.
Recipe provided by Rob’s Dishes
“Rob’s Dishes” is a local page dedicated to sharing authentic Maltese recipes with a global audience, preserving the essence of traditional cuisine for generations to come. Take a look at Roberta’s fantastic page here!
