Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel Recipe from Malta - Delicious Treacle and Sugar Pastry

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel Recipe from Malta - Delicious Treacle and Sugar Pastry
Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel
Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel is a traditional Maltese pastry filled with a sweet treacle mixture. This delicious treat is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel has been a popular dessert in Malta for generations. The sweet treacle filling and flaky pastry make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

Filling

Pastry

How to prepare

  1. Put all the filling ingredients (except the semolina) into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. After boiling, thicken with semolina, adding only a little at a time.
  3. Continue cooking for a few seconds and leave to cool.
  4. Rub the margarine into the flour, and bind with the yolks and a little water.
  5. Leave the pastry to set for two hours before using.
  6. Roll out the pastry into long strips measuring 8 cm by 15 cm.
  7. Place some filling in the middle, along the entire length of the pastry.
  8. Fold the pastry.
  9. Now bring the two ends of the pastry together to form a ring.
  10. Sprinkle a baking sheet with semolina, place the rings on the sheet, and bake in a moderate oven for 25 minutes.
  11. Before baking, take a sharp knife and make slashes in the pastry at different places.

Variations

  • Add chopped nuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
  • Use honey or maple syrup instead of treacle for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the pastry set for two hours before using to ensure it is easy to work with.

- When folding the pastry, be gentle to avoid tearing the dough.

- Make sure to make slashes in the pastry before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent the pastry from puffing up too much.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delicious treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to let the pastry set before using to make it easier to work with.

- Make sure to make slashes in the pastry before baking to allow steam to escape.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use honey or maple syrup instead of treacle for a different flavor.

- Butter can be used instead of margarine in the pastry.

Make Ahead Tips

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel contains approximately 45g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel contains gluten and eggs.

Summary

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel is a sweet pastry that is moderate in calories and contains carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel is a delicious Maltese pastry filled with a sweet treacle mixture. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, this treat is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel. It was given to me by an elderly woman I had met while visiting a small village in Malta many years ago. The woman, Maria, was known throughout the village for her delicious pastries and sweets, and I was thrilled when she agreed to share her recipe with me.

Maria invited me into her humble home, a small stone cottage with a cozy kitchen that was filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and honey. As she showed me how to make the Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel, she told me the story of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother many years ago.

She explained that Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel, or honey rings, are a traditional Maltese pastry that is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays. The recipe has been passed down through generations in her family, with each woman adding her own twist to make it uniquely her own.

As I watched Maria work her magic in the kitchen, I was struck by her skill and finesse. She moved with a grace and confidence that comes only from years of experience. Her hands moved deftly as she mixed the flour, sugar, and butter together to form a delicate dough. She then added a touch of orange zest and a generous drizzle of honey, giving the pastry its signature sweet and citrusy flavor.

I was in awe of Maria's talent and knowledge, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a rare treasure. I made sure to take careful notes as she shared the recipe with me, knowing that I would cherish it for years to come.

After we had finished baking the Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel, Maria and I sat down to enjoy a cup of tea and a few of the warm, golden pastries. As we ate, she told me more stories about her family and the traditions that had been passed down through the generations.

I left Maria's home that day feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a wise and talented woman. The recipe for Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel became a staple in my own kitchen, bringing a taste of Malta to my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made the honey rings for countless gatherings and celebrations, each time sharing the story of how I learned to make them from Maria. The recipe has become a part of my own family's tradition, a reminder of the connection we share to the past and the generations that came before us.

As I bake the Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel now, I can still picture Maria's smiling face and hear her laughter as she guided me through the steps. The scent of cinnamon and honey fills my kitchen, transporting me back to that day in the small village in Malta when I first discovered the magic of this ancient recipe.

I am grateful for the gift that Maria gave me that day, not just the recipe for Qaghaq ta l-Ghasel, but the connection to a rich and vibrant culinary tradition that has been passed down through the ages. And as I continue to bake and share this special pastry with my loved ones, I know that I am honoring the legacy of the women who came before me, keeping their memories alive through the simple act of cooking and sharing a delicious meal.

Categories

| Candied Citrus Peel Recipes | Egg Yolk Recipes | Lemon Peel Recipes | Maltese Desserts | Maltese Recipes | Molasses Recipes | Orange Peel Recipes | Preserves And Jam Recipes | Semolina Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |

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