Recipe

Maltese Bigilla with Toasted Bread

Savory Maltese Dip: Bigilla Delight

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Maltese cuisine with this authentic recipe for Bigilla. This traditional Maltese dip is made from creamy butter beans, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon juice, creating a delightful burst of flavors.

Dip› Bigilla

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Maltese cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

N/A

Total time

70 minutes (including refrigeration time)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Atkins

Ingredients

2 cups (400g) cooked butter beans 2 cups (400g) cooked butter beans
3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Toasted bread, for serving Toasted bread, for serving

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 1g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 5g
Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1.
In a food processor, combine the cooked butter beans, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and mint leaves.
2.
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed.
3.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4.
Transfer the Bigilla to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5.
Serve the Bigilla with toasted bread for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Butter beans — Make sure to cook the butter beans until they are soft and easily blendable. Canned butter beans can also be used as a time-saving alternative.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Bigilla.
Customize the herb flavors by adding other fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro.
Drizzle some extra olive oil on top of the Bigilla before serving for added richness.
Serve the Bigilla at room temperature for a more pronounced flavor profile.
Leftover Bigilla can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Bigilla as an appetizer or snack, accompanied by toasted bread. It can also be enjoyed as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for vegetable crudités.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Bigilla with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or mint leaves for an attractive presentation. Serve it in a decorative bowl alongside a platter of toasted bread slices.