Recipe

Pastizzi

Maltese flaky pastries with ricotta or peas.

Ingredients

  • Puff pastry
  • 250 g ricotta
  • Cooked peas
  • Egg
  • Black pepper
  • Sesame optional

How to make it

  1. Mix ricotta or peas with egg and seasoning. Work in a bowl for 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks even, then let it rest for 10-20 minutes so the flour, meat or spices hydrate properly.
  2. Cut pastry into rounds or squares. Continue gently and check texture rather than only the clock; the dish is ready when the main ingredient is tender and well seasoned.
  3. Fill and fold into pastizzi shapes. Keep the pieces even in size and seal edges well. If the dough or filling feels soft, chill it for 10 minutes before cooking so it holds its shape.
  4. Bake until flaky and golden. Bake in a fully preheated oven, usually 190-220C, until the top is golden and the center is hot; start checking after 20 minutes for pastries and after 45 minutes for larger roasts.

Serving note

Keep the plate simple and let the main texture lead: crisp pastry, tender stew, glossy sauce or fresh garnish. This page is a compact cooking guide, not a long article.