Kosksu with Broad Beans

Kosksu with Broad Beans Recipe - Traditional Maltese Dish

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Kosksu with Broad Beans is a traditional Maltese dish that is both hearty and flavorful. This dish features kosksu, a type of pasta that is similar to small, round balls of pasta, along with tender broad beans and a rich tomato-based broth. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of year.

History

Kosksu with Broad Beans has been a staple in Maltese cuisine for generations. This dish is often enjoyed during the spring and summer months when broad beans are in season. It is a simple and rustic dish that highlights the fresh flavors of the ingredients used.

Ingredients

10 oz (283 g) of kosksu (type of pasta)
1 chopped onion
5 oz (142 g) of peeled broad beans
3 oz (85 g) of peeled tomatoes
2 oz (57 g) of tomato paste
1 beef cube
2 pt (946 ml) of water

How to prepare

In a pan, heat a small amount of olive oil and fry the onion until it turns golden brown.
Next, add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then add the beef cube and kosksu pasta.
Simmer the mixture until the pasta is cooked.
Finally, add the broad beans and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes before removing from the heat.

Variations

You can add cooked chicken or beef to make the dish more filling.
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the beef cube and use vegetable broth instead of water.
You can add fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente to ensure that it retains its texture in the final dish.

- You can add additional vegetables such as carrots or zucchini to bulk up the dish and add more nutrients.

- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade beef or vegetable broth instead of water.

Serving Suggestions

Kosksu with Broad Beans can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Kosksu with Broad Beans is to simmer the pasta until it is cooked through and the flavors have melded together. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find kosksu pasta, you can use small pasta such as orzo or acini di pepe as a substitute. You can also use frozen broad beans if fresh ones are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Kosksu with Broad Beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each serving of Kosksu with Broad Beans with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch. You can also add a sprig of fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Kosksu with Broad Beans pairs well with a light and crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Kosksu with Broad Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kosksu with Broad Beans contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kosksu with Broad Beans contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kosksu with Broad Beans contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kosksu with Broad Beans contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kosksu with Broad Beans is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It also contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta. It may also contain traces of soy if the beef cube contains soy ingredients.

Summary

Kosksu with Broad Beans is a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair, and a variety of vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Summary

Kosksu with Broad Beans is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this traditional Maltese dish with your family and friends for a taste of Mediterranean cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Malta. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, taught me the art of making traditional Maltese dishes. One day, she decided to teach me how to make Kosksu with Broad Beans.

We started by gathering the ingredients we would need for the dish. We picked fresh broad beans from the garden, along with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and of course, the star of the dish - the Kosksu pasta. Kosksu is a traditional Maltese pasta made from flour and water, rolled out into thin strips and cut into small squares. It has a unique texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with the hearty vegetables in this dish.

As we prepared the ingredients, my grandmother told me the story of how she learned to make Kosksu with Broad Beans. She had first tasted the dish at a local village festival many years ago. The flavors had been so delicious that she had asked the cook for the recipe. The kind lady had shared her secrets with my grandmother, passing down the knowledge from one generation to the next.

My grandmother had made some tweaks to the original recipe over the years, adding her own special touch to make it even more delicious. She showed me how to cook the broad beans until they were tender, and how to sauté the onions and garlic until they were golden and fragrant. Then, we added the chopped tomatoes and let them simmer until they had broken down into a rich sauce.

Next, we added the Kosksu pasta to the pot, along with some water to help it cook. We let everything simmer together until the pasta was tender and had absorbed all the flavors of the vegetables. Finally, we seasoned the dish with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

As we sat down to eat the Kosksu with Broad Beans, I was struck by how delicious it was. The flavors were rich and comforting, the pasta was tender and chewy, and the broad beans added a hearty texture to the dish. I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen, and I was grateful to my grandmother for passing down her knowledge to me.

Over the years, I have made Kosksu with Broad Beans many times, each time adding my own twist to the dish. Sometimes, I add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat, or a splash of lemon juice for a touch of acidity. No matter how I change the recipe, though, the memory of learning to make it with my grandmother will always stay with me.

Now, as I teach my own grandchildren how to make Kosksu with Broad Beans, I feel a sense of pride and connection to my heritage. I am passing down a tradition that has been in our family for generations, and I know that they will carry on the tradition with as much love and care as I have. The recipe for Kosksu with Broad Beans is more than just a dish - it is a part of our family history, a link to our past, and a way to keep our culture alive for generations to come.