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Maltese-Indian Spiced Chickpea and Potato Pastizzi

Description

A fusion of Maltese pastizzi and Indian samosas, these savory pastries are filled with a spiced mixture of chickpeas, potatoes, and fragrant Indian spices, baked to golden perfection.

Cuisine: Maltese-Indian Fusion
Servings: 4 (8 pastizzi)

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water

For the filling:

  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 onion (150g), chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup (240g) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium potatoes (300g), peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup (30g) chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add olive oil and water, and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Make the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add chickpeas, potatoes, and vegetable broth. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Mash some of the chickpeas and potatoes to thicken the mixture. Stir in cilantro and season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the pastizzi: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin oval. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each oval. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
  5. Bake: Place pastizzi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  6. Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as tahini or harissa yogurt.

Suggested Drinks

Cisk Lager: A classic Maltese lager with a crisp and refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness of the pastizzi.

Pinot Grigio: A light and fruity white wine with subtle citrus notes that complement the spices in the filling.

Non-Alcoholic Option

Kinnie: A bittersweet Maltese soft drink with a unique blend of orange and herbal flavors.