A pastizz (: pastizzi) is a traditional savoury pastry from Malta. Pastizzi usually have a filling either of ricotta ( pastizzi tal-irkotta or pastizzi tal-ħaxu in Maltese language) or curried peas (pastizzi tal-piżelli in Maltese).
Preparation
Pastizzi are usually diamond-shaped or round
(known as
pastizzi tax-xema' in Maltese) and made with a pastry very much like the Greek
Filo (although there is also a
puff pastry version). The pastry is folded in different ways according to the filling, as a means of identification. Traditionally, ricotta
pastizzi are folded down the middle, whereas pea
pastizzi are folded down the side.
In recent years, alternative
pastizzi fillings have emerged, most notably chicken
pastizzi, which can now be found in virtually all Maltese
pastizzeriji alongside the two traditional flavours. Other short-lived or limited edition
pastizzi fillings have included ricotta and truffle, Maltese sausage, and Nutella.
Pastizzi are typically baked on metal trays in electric or gas ovens in a pastizzerija, usually a small or family concern. They are also sold in bars, cafes and by street vendors. They are a popular breakfast in outer villages.
Culinary export
Pastizzi are also produced by Maltese immigrant communities in Australia, Canada, the UK, the US and most recently Rome.
The first
pastizzeria in Scotland opened in 2007.
[ Maltese meat pies British Baker, 12 October 2007]
In the Maltese language
Such is its popularity, the word
pastizz has multiple meanings in Maltese.
[Fabri, Ray (2009) Maltese linguistics: a snapshot; in memory of Joseph A. Cremona (1922-2003) Bochum: Brockmeyer p.44] It is used as a
euphemism for the
vagina, due to its shape, and for describing someone as a "pushover". The Maltese idiom jinbiegħu bħall-pastizzi (selling like
pastizzi) is equivalent to the English "selling like hot cakes", to describe a product which seems to have inexhaustible demand.
Things which are jinħarġu bħall-pastizzi (coming out like
pastizzi) can be said to be emerging at a fast rate, sometimes too quickly.
[ Dibattiti tal-Kamra tad-Deputati (Rapport Uffiċjali u Rivedut): L-Għaxar Parlament, Seduta Nru. 311, It-Tlieta, 1 ta’ Novembru, 2005 (in Maltese). Stampat fl-Uffiċċju ta' l-Iskrivan, Kamra tad-Deputati. Accessed January 2012. "Debates of the House of Representatives ... 1 November 2005"]
See also
External links
