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Mdina (Malta)
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Soup
Fish & Seafood
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
320kcal
28gProtein
35gCarbs
8gFat
4gFibre
400 gServing
* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.
Allergens
🐟 Fish
Also served in
Aljotta
How to order / say it
Say it
Aljotta — [Al-yot-ta]
Order
I'd like the Aljotta, please.
Locally
Jien nixtieq aljotta, jekk jogħġbok.
Say locally
Hearty fish soup with garlic, tomatoes, and rice
Why try it?
Aljotta is a quintessential dish representing Valletta's fishing heritage. It's a testament to the Maltese skill in transforming simple, fresh catches into comforting meals, ideal for exploring local flavors in a single bowl.
How it tastes
The soup is light yet richly flavored, characterized by the fresh fish taste mingled with aromatic garlic and herbs. The tomato base provides a gentle tanginess, while rice adds heartiness, blending into a harmonious, brothy finish.
Origin & History — first documented: 1900
Emerging in the early 20th century, Aljotta was a fisherman’s dish, ensuring no catch went to waste. Its adaptability to various fish reflects Malta's emphasis on maritime resources for sustenance and flavor.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🐟 500 g white fish
- 🥕 300 g tomatoes
- 🧄 20 g garlic
- 🧄 100 g onions
- 🌾 100 g rice
- 🥣 1 L stock
- 🌿 5 g parsley
- 🌿 5 g mint
- 🫒 20 ml olive oil
- 🧂 to taste salt
- 🧂 to taste pepper
Method
- 1 Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
- 2 Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened.
- 3 Pour in fish stock and bring to a simmer; add fish pieces.
- 4 Include rice and herbs, seasoning to taste. Cook until rice is done.
- 5 Serve hot with a garnish of fresh herbs.
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