Pastizz
A pastizz (pl.: pastizzi) is a traditional savoury pastry from Malta. Pastizzi usually have a filling either of ricotta (pastizzi tal-irkotta or pastizzi tal-ħaxu in Maltese) or curried peas (pastizzi tal-piżelli in Maltese). Pastizzi are a popular and well-known traditional Maltese food. It should not be confused with the Italian pastizz, better known as u' pastizz 'rtunnar.
 Two varieties of Maltese pastizzi | |
| Type | Savoury pastry |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Malta |
| Main ingredients | Filo-like pastry, ricotta or mushy peas |
A pastizz (pl.: pastizzi) is a traditional savoury pastry from Malta. Pastizzi usually have a filling either of ricotta (pastizzi tal-irkotta or pastizzi tal-ħaxu in Maltese) or curried peas (pastizzi tal-piżelli in Maltese).[1][2] Pastizzi are a popular and well-known traditional Maltese food. It should not be confused with the Italian pastizz, better known as u' pastizz 'rtunnar.
Preparation
[edit]Pastizzi are usually diamond-shaped or round[3] (known as pastizzi tax-xema' in Maltese) and made with a pastry very much like the Greek filo pastry (although there is also a puff pastry version). The pastry is folded in different ways according to the filling, as a means of identification. Traditionally, ricotta pastizzi are folded down the middle, whereas pea pastizzi are folded down the side.[4] In recent years, alternative pastizzi fillings have emerged, most notably chicken pastizzi, which can now be found in virtually all Maltese pastizzeriji alongside the two traditional flavours. Other short-lived or limited edition pastizzi fillings have included ricotta and truffle, Maltese sausage, and Nutella.[5]
Pastizzi are typically baked on metal trays in electric or gas ovens in a pastizzerija, usually a small or family concern. They are also sold in bars, cafes and by street vendors. They are a popular breakfast in outer villages.[citation needed]
Culinary export
[edit]Pastizzi are also produced by Maltese immigrant communities in Australia, Canada, the UK, the US and most recently Rome.[6][7] The first pastizzeria in Scotland opened in 2007.[3]
In the Maltese language
[edit]Such is its popularity, the word pastizz has multiple meanings in Maltese.[8] It is used as a euphemism for the vagina, due to its shape, and for describing someone as a "pushover". The Maltese idiom jinbiegħu bħall-pastizzi (selling like pastizzi) is equivalent to the English "selling like hot cakes", to describe a product which seems to have inexhaustible demand.[9][10][11] Things which are jinħarġu bħall-pastizzi (coming out like pastizzi) can be said to be emerging at a fast rate, sometimes too quickly.[12][13][14]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "#1 Pastizzi.com". Pastizzi. Archived from the original on 2022-05-26. Retrieved 2010-01-21.
- ^ Gaul, Simon (2007). Malta Gozo & Comino. New Holland Publishing. p. 157. ISBN 978-1-86011-365-9.
- ^ a b Maltese meat pies Archived 2011-07-28 at the Wayback Machine British Baker, 12 October 2007
- ^ "All you need to know about pastizzi: Malta's favourite street food". www.guidememalta.com. 27 June 2020. Archived from the original on 23 June 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- ^ "These Maltese Eateries Serve The Craziest Types Of Pastizzi Around". www.lovinmalta.com. 27 January 2018.
- ^ "Cafe' Menu - Parparellu". Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-12-03.
- ^ "Pastizzi take on Rome! 'Dal Maltese Pastizzeria' opens in the heart of Italy". www.guidememalta.com. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
- ^ Fabri, Ray (2009) Maltese linguistics: a snapshot; in memory of Joseph A. Cremona (1922-2003) Bochum: Brockmeyer ISBN 978-3-8196-0734-9 p.44
- ^ "No candle in the wind". The Times of Malta. 21 June 2003. Archived from the original on 9 March 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2011.
- ^ "ThinkSite.eu". Thinksite.eu. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
- ^ "INDEPENDENT online". Archived from the original on 2012-06-04. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
- ^ "ILLUM". Archived from the original on 2012-05-13. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ Dibattiti tal-Kamra tad-Deputati (Rapport Uffiċjali u Rivedut): L-Għaxar Parlament, Seduta Nru. 311, It-Tlieta, 1 ta’ Novembru, 2005 Archived 2013-12-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Maltese). Stampat fl-Uffiċċju ta' l-Iskrivan, Kamra tad-Deputati. Accessed January 2012. "Debates of the House of Representatives ... 1 November 2005"
