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Valletta (Malta)
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Dessert
Vegan
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
310kcal
4gProtein
63gCarbs
5gFat
4gFibre
100 gServing
* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.
Allergens
🌾 Gluten
Imqaret
How to order / say it
Say it
Imqaret — [im-KAH-ret]
Order
I'd like the imqaret, please.
Locally
Nixtieq l-imqaret, please.
Say locally
Fried pastries filled with spiced date paste.
Why try it?
Imqaret is a sweet delight that embodies Malta's rich history of Arabic and Mediterranean influences, offering a taste of childhood nostalgia for many locals.
How it tastes
Crispy on the outside with a warm, sticky date filling spiced with aniseed. The pastry is deep-fried to golden perfection, releasing a fragrant aroma that's irresistibly sweet and exotic.
Origin & History — first documented: 900
Introduced during the Arab occupation in the 9th century, Imqaret derives its name from the Arabic word for 'bars'. Over centuries, it evolved into a Maltese favorite, traditionally served during feasts and events.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🍯 400 g dates
- 🌾 500 g plain flour
- 🧂 1 tsp aniseed
- 🍋 1 tbsp orange zest
- 🫒 1 L oil for frying
- 🍋 250 ml water
Method
- 1 Prepare filling by blending dates, aniseed, and orange zest.
- 2 Mix flour and water into dough; roll thin.
- 3 Place date filling on dough, cover, and seal edges.
- 4 Slice and deep-fry until golden and crispy.
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