Pastizz Recipe: A Taste of Malta at Home

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) puff pastry dough
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground lamb
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, water, and parsley. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
  5. Roll out the puff pastry dough on a floured surface and cut into squares of your desired size.
  6. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each square of dough.
  7. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
  8. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious pastizz!

Tools for making

Recipe overview

This Pastizz recipe combines flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground beef or lamb, onions, and aromatic spices. These handheld pastries are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. Follow the simple steps to create these delicious pastries that are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Common questions

  1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe? Yes, store-bought puff pastry works well for making pastizz.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute if preferred.
  3. How do I store leftover pastizz? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  4. Can I freeze unbaked pastizz? Yes, you can assemble the pastries and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Sheet - Used to bake the pastizz in the oven.
  • Skillet - To cook the meat mixture and onions.
  • Parchment Paper - Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Rolling Pin - For rolling out the puff pastry dough.
  • Pastry Brush - To apply the egg wash on top of the pastizz.
  • Knife - For cutting the puff pastry dough into squares.

Origin stories

Pastizz is a traditional Maltese savory pastry that has its roots in the Middle East. The dish was introduced to Malta during the period of Arab rule and has since become a beloved snack or street food in the country. The pastry is typically filled with a spiced mixture of ground meat and wrapped in flaky puff pastry, creating a delicious and satisfying treat that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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