Maltese Bake Rice

Maltese Bake Rice Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful Dish from Malta

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Maltese Bake Rice is a traditional dish from the Mediterranean island of Malta. This hearty and flavorful casserole is made with a combination of rice, minced meat, tomatoes, and cheese, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.

History

Maltese Bake Rice has been a staple in Maltese cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often served at family gatherings, celebrations, and holidays. The combination of ingredients in this dish reflects the influences of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine on Maltese cooking.

Ingredients

250 g of rice
25 g of grated cheese
olive oil
50 g of tomato puree
1 tbsp of dried basil
salt and pepper
100 g of peeled tomatoes
4 eggs
250 g of minced meat
300 g of beef stock

How to prepare

Cook the meat and add chopped tomatoes and tomato puree.
Add stock and simmer for 30 minutes.
Boil rice in salted water. When half cooked, strain and cool under running water.
Mix the rice well with the sauce and all the other ingredients.
Put the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Cook in a moderate oven for 45 minutes or until the top is brown.

Variations

Add some chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the dish to ensure it is fully cooked through.

- When boiling the rice, be sure to cook it until it is only half cooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Mixing the rice well with the sauce and other ingredients will ensure that each bite is flavorful and well-balanced.

Serving Suggestions

Maltese Bake Rice can be served as a main dish with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the meat with tomatoes and tomato puree will help to develop the flavors in the dish.

- Baking the casserole in the oven will allow the flavors to meld together and the top to become golden brown and crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cheese you prefer in this recipe, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

- If you don't eat meat, you can substitute the minced meat with lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking it in the oven, then cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Maltese Bake Rice in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, or in a large baking dish for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Maltese Bake Rice pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light red wine, such as a Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Maltese Bake Rice contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Maltese Bake Rice contains approximately 35g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Maltese Bake Rice contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Maltese Bake Rice contains approximately 20g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Maltese Bake Rice is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Maltese Bake Rice is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Maltese Bake Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With its flavorful combination of rice, meat, tomatoes, and cheese, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. She had just returned from a trip to Malta and was eager to share her new culinary discoveries with me.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping on cups of fragrant tea, Maria began to excitedly tell me about the delicious Maltese cuisine she had experienced during her travels. She described the unique blend of flavors and spices that made Maltese food so special, and I found myself getting more and more intrigued.

Maria then reached into a drawer and pulled out a tattered old recipe book. She flipped through the yellowed pages until she found what she was looking for - the recipe for Maltese Bake Rice. She explained that this dish was a traditional Maltese comfort food, made with simple ingredients but bursting with flavor.

I watched as Maria gathered the ingredients and started to prepare the dish. The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, onions, and herbs as the rice slowly cooked on the stovetop. Maria's skilled hands moved with ease as she added the final touches, a sprinkle of cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

After what seemed like an eternity, the dish was finally ready. Maria dished out generous portions onto our plates, and we sat down to enjoy our meal. The first bite was a revelation - the creamy rice, the tender chicken, the rich tomato sauce all combined to create a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make Maltese Bake Rice for myself. Maria kindly shared the recipe with me, and I made a mental note to recreate the dish as soon as I returned home.

Back in my own kitchen, I gathered the ingredients and set to work. I followed Maria's instructions to the letter, chopping, stirring, and simmering with care. As the dish cooked, the familiar scents of garlic and tomatoes filled the air, transporting me back to Maria's kitchen in Malta.

When the Maltese Bake Rice was finally done, I ladled out a steaming portion onto a plate and took a tentative bite. The flavors were just as I remembered - warm and comforting, with a hint of nostalgia that made my heart swell.

I shared the dish with my family, who all marveled at the exotic flavors and unique taste. They encouraged me to keep experimenting with new recipes and to continue expanding my culinary horizons.

Since that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, Maltese Bake Rice has become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I have made it countless times, tweaking and adjusting the recipe to suit my own tastes. Each time I prepare the dish, I am reminded of the friendship and camaraderie that brought this recipe into my life.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover Maltese Bake Rice, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary adventures that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, but it was through this recipe that I truly learned the power of food to connect people across cultures and continents.

And so, as I prepare to share this beloved recipe with a new generation, I am reminded of the words of my dear friend Maria: "Food is love, and love is food. It is through the act of cooking and sharing meals that we nourish not only our bodies but our souls." And in that spirit, I pass on the recipe for Maltese Bake Rice, hoping that it will bring as much joy and fulfillment to others as it has brought to me.