Maltese Bigilla with Toasted Bread

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