Kusksu facts for kids
.jpg)
A typical serving of kusksu
|
|
| Alternative names | Kusksu bil-Ful |
|---|---|
| Type | Soup |
| Place of origin | Malta |
| Main ingredients | Kusksu, broad beans, ġbejniet |
Kusksu is a yummy traditional soup from Malta. It's made with fresh broad beans, tiny pasta beads, and a special Maltese cheese called ġbejniet.
The small pasta beads are also called kusksu. They look a bit like couscous, but they are thicker. This makes them perfect for cooking slowly in soup. When the pasta cooks, it makes the soup creamy and warm. This is why kusksu is a great meal for chilly days!
Contents
Where Did Kusksu Come From?
Kusksu might have started during the time when Arabs lived in Malta. This is because the pasta beads look a lot like couscous, which is common in Arab cooking.
It's hard to find old records about this time. But a document from the 1700s talks about pasta shaped like peppercorns. This suggests that kusksu pasta has been a part of Maltese food for a very long time.
What's in Kusksu?
The main ingredient in kusksu is the broad bean. In Malta, people call them ful. Broad beans grow very well in Malta's weather. They can even grow too much if not controlled!
Farmers in Malta usually plant broad beans in December. They pick them in early spring. These beans don't need much looking after or watering. In 2016, Maltese farmers sold almost 600 tonnes of broad beans. This shows how popular they are! Some people even call the broad bean Malta's "favorite" bean.
The Special Kusksu Pasta
The small pasta beads, also called kusksu, are another key part of the soup. They give the soup its name and a wonderful texture. These pasta beads are "a little bigger than a coriander seed."
It's important not to mix them up with couscous. You can easily find kusksu pasta in Malta. But it might be harder to find in other countries. Other types of pasta can be used, but they might not taste as good.
Other Tasty Ingredients
Kusksu also has other delicious ingredients. Fresh Maltese ġbejna cheese is usually added right before serving.
You'll also find lots of onions and garlic. These are fried in olive oil or butter. Bay leaves add flavor. Tomato paste makes the soup richer. Eggs are often poached (cooked gently) right in the soup.
The soup is made with water or vegetable stock. Salt and pepper are used for seasoning. Finally, parsley is added for decoration and fresh taste.
Different Ways to Make Kusksu
There are many ways to make this popular Maltese soup. Some people add fish to their kusksu. Others might put in bacon, cabbage, or even pumpkin.
However, the more "authentic" or "original" versions of the dish are called kusksu bil-ful. This means "kusksu with broad beans." These versions usually have fewer and simpler ingredients. They use ingredients that are in season.
In 2002, MaltaPost (Malta's postal service) made special stamps to celebrate Maltese food. The traditional kusksu bil-ful was one of the dishes featured on these stamps!
See also
In Spanish: Kusksu para niños
