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Baked Rice — traditional dish from Malta, Malta
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥620kcal
💪32gProtein
🌾55gCarbs
🥑26gFat
🌿3gFibre
⚖️400 gServing

* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten

Baked Rice

How to order / say it
Say it Ross il-Forn — [ross eel-FORN]
Order I'd like the baked rice, please.
Locally Jien nixtieq ross il-forn, jekk jogħġbok.
Say locally

A comfort dish made of rice, minced meat, and tomato sauce

Why try it?

Ross il-Forn is synonymous with family comforts in Malta. This dish symbolizes the Maltese love for hearty, satisfying meals, often enjoyed during communal lunches, providing an insight into Maltese home cooking.

How it tastes

Well-seasoned rice absorbs the rich tomato and mincemeat flavors during baking. Its crusty top contrasts with the moist, savory interior, creating layers of texture and taste that are warm and comforting.

Origin & History — first documented: 1750

Dating back to the 18th century, this dish rose in popularity as rice became more accessible. As an economic yet filling meal, it allowed for family gatherings and feasts, becoming a beloved staple across the archipelago.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🌾 250 g rice
  • 🥩 200 g minced beef
  • 🥣 200 ml tomato sauce
  • 🧄 100 g onions
  • 🥛 50 g parmesan cheese
  • 🧄 10 g garlic
  • 🫒 20 ml olive oil
  • 🧂 to taste salt
  • 🧂 to taste pepper
  • 🥚 2 eggs
  • 🌿 2 leaves bay leaves

Method

  1. 1 Cook rice until half-done and set aside.
  2. 2 Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil; add minced beef and cook.
  3. 3 Stir in tomato sauce, bay leaves, and season. Combine with rice.
  4. 4 Layer mixture into a baking dish, top with beaten eggs and cheese.
  5. 5 Bake until golden and set.
All Europe recipes — Malta — Valletta — Baked Rice
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