Maltese Balbuljata with a Twist

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (500g) 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (500g)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Add the diced potatoes to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Pour enough water into the pot to cover the potatoes.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
7. 7.
   Once the potatoes are cooked, use a fork to slightly mash them, creating a thicker consistency.
8. 8.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. 9.
   Serve the Balbuljata hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Tomatoes — Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can substitute with canned diced tomatoes.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the dish.
• Serve the Balbuljata with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.
• Balbuljata pairs well with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables.

Serving advice

Serve the Balbuljata in individual bowls, making sure to include a generous amount of the flavorful broth. Accompany it with warm crusty bread for dipping and savoring every last drop of the delicious stew.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Balbuljata with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls or traditional Maltese pottery to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.