Pastizz facts for kids
Two varieties of Maltese pastizzi
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| Type | Savory Pastry |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Malta |
| Main ingredients | Filo-like pastry, ricotta or mushy peas |
A pastizz (say "pas-teets", plural pastizzi) is a super popular savory pastry from the island nation of Malta. These tasty snacks usually have one of two fillings: creamy ricotta cheese (called tal-ħaxu or pastizzi tal-irkotta) or a delicious curried pea mix (known as pastizzi tal-piżelli). Pastizzi are a well-known and loved traditional Maltese food.
How Are Pastizzi Made?
Pastizzi come in two main shapes: diamond-shaped or round. The round ones are sometimes called pastizzi tax-xema' in Maltese. They are made with a special pastry that is very similar to the thin, flaky filo pastry used in Greek dishes. Sometimes, they are also made with puff pastry.
The way the pastry is folded tells you what's inside! Traditionally, pastizzi filled with ricotta cheese are folded down the middle. The pea-filled ones are folded down the side. This helps people know which one they are picking.
These pastries are usually baked on metal trays in big electric or gas ovens. You can find them in a pastizzerija, which is often a small, family-run shop. They are also sold in bars, cafes, and by street vendors. Many people enjoy them for breakfast, especially in smaller villages.
Where Can You Find Pastizzi?
Pastizzi are so popular that Maltese people who have moved to other countries have taken the recipe with them! You can find pastizzi made by Maltese communities in places like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the United States. In fact, the very first pastizzerija in Scotland opened its doors in 2007.
Pastizzi in Maltese Sayings
Pastizzi are such a big part of Maltese culture that they even appear in everyday sayings!
If something is "selling like pastizzi" (jinbiegħu bħall-pastizzi ), it means it's selling incredibly fast. It's like the English saying "selling like hot cakes." It describes a product that everyone wants to buy.
Another saying is "coming out like pastizzi" (jinħarġu bħall-pastizzi ). This means things are appearing or happening at a very quick pace, sometimes even too quickly!
See also
In Spanish: Pastizzi para niños
