Culinary legend Nigella Lawson has once again demonstrated her knack for unearthing incredible recipes from around the world by featuring a beloved Maltese dish in her latest #CookbookCorner instalment. This week, she introduced her readers to Baked Macaroni (Imqarrun-Il-Forn), a traditional Maltese comfort food, from Simon Bajada’s cookbook Malta: Mediterranean Recipes from the Islands.

Nigella, celebrated for her  approachable recipes, and genuine passion for food, has built a career on championing diverse cuisines. Often referred to as the ‘Domestic Goddess’ after her iconic cookbook, Nigella’s influence extends far beyond her bestselling books and successful TV shows. With millions of followers across social media, her endorsements hold significant weight in the culinary world.

Her choice to feature Imqarrun-Il-Forn—a hearty baked pasta dish combining layers of macaroni, meat sauce, and cheese—shines a spotlight on Malta’s culinary heritage. Nigella described it as a dish that embodies “Mediterranean warmth and homely flavours,” encouraging her global audience to explore the magic of Maltese cuisine.

This isn’t the first time Nigella has celebrated Mediterranean food. Known for her emphasis on bold flavours and comforting dishes, she often draws inspiration from Mediterranean traditions, including Italian, Greek, and now Maltese cuisine.

Check out the recipe here!