Pastizz
| File:Malta Pastizzi.JPG 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 | edit source]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 | edit source]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 | edit source]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 | edit source]References
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- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Maltese meat pies Archived 2011-07-28 at the Wayback Machine British Baker, 12 October 2007
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- ^ Fabri, Ray (2009) Maltese linguistics: a snapshot; in memory of Joseph A. Cremona (1922-2003) Bochum: Brockmeyer Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value). p.44
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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- ^ 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"
