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Imqarrun il-forn: Maltese Baked Pasta You Should Try

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Imqarrun il-forn, or baked pasta, is one of Malta’s most beloved comfort foods. It’s a hearty, oven-baked dish made with macaroni, minced beef, tomato sauce, eggs, cheese, and sometimes a touch of creamy béchamel. 

The top is baked until golden and slightly crisp, giving every bite a perfect contrast of soft, saucy pasta and crunchy edges.

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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 8 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 18 mins
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 7
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Imqarrun il-forn or baked pasta is one of Malta’s most beloved comfort foods. It’s a hearty, oven-baked dish made with macaroni, minced beef, tomato sauce, eggs, cheese, and sometimes a touch of creamy béchamel. 
Background and Origin

Baked pasta in Malta has deep roots in the island’s rich Mediterranean history, shaped by centuries of influence from Sicily, Italy, and the British.

Here’s how those influences formed the dish:

Malta’s proximity to Sicily introduced many pasta traditions to the islands. Imqarrun il-Forn resembles Sicilian pasta al forno, which also uses baked macaroni, meat sauce, and cheese. Over time, Maltese home cooks adapted the dish to local tastes and ingredients.

During British rule (1800–1964), minced beef became more common and affordable in Malta. This helped shape the meaty version of baked pasta that is popular today, often served during Sunday lunches and family gatherings.

Ingredients
  • 1 big onion, cubed
  • 1 bowl mixture of pork and beef minced meat
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp mixed herbs
  • 2 egg
  • 1 tin of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 bowl of grated cheese and Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 bowl gluten-free pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp black pepper
Instructions
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    How to Prepare Baked Pastabaked-pasta-recipe-buster (1)
    1. Put the oil on medium heat in a saucepan. Sauté the onions until translucent. Add the minced meat and stir-fry until it’s caramelized.
    2. Crush the garlic and add. Add the bay leaves, herbs, tomato paste, and the canned tomatoes. Stir evenly and add the sugar to balance the acidity. 
    3. Add a half cup of water to the sauce and stir. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for 30 minutes.
    4. In a big pot half-filled with water, bring to a boil on high heat. Add some salt to the water. 
    5. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and stir immediately. Cover the pot and cook for 8 minutes. Always cook the pasta 2 minutes less than what’s written on the pack. Once cooked, strain the mixture and set it aside.
    6. Check on the sauce and turn off the heat. Pick out the bay leaves.
    7. Preheat the oven to 10 degrees Celsius.
    8. In a glass baking dish, brush a small amount of sauce at the bottom to prevent it from sticking.
    9. Whisk the eggs and add them to the sauce. Mix evenly, then transfer it to the pasta and mix.
    10. Add a handful of grated cheese to the pasta and mix. Transfer them to the baking dish.
    11. Layer the remaining grated cheese and Parmesan on top of the pasta. Then sprinkle the black pepper on it.
    12. Bake in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes.
    13. Let it sit for 5 minutes when ready.
    Video credit: RiesKitchen—YouTube
Note

Tips for Preparing Maltese Baked Pasta

  • Don't overcook the pasta. Keep them firm.
  • Ensure to simmer the meat sauce longer as desired.
  • Eggs hold the pasta together; ensure to mix thoroughly before adding.
  • Mixing two types of cheese for making Imqarrun il-forn is ideal to achieve a Maltese flavor.
  • You can add a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg for an added African flavor.
  • Allow the baked pasta to rest at least 5 minutes before serving. 

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Baked pasta is a symbol of Maltese hospitality, family, and home cooking. Many Maltese recall it as a childhood dish made by grandmothers on weekends or something packed into lunchboxes the next day, because it tastes even better as leftovers.

Keywords: Baked Pasta, Imqarrun il-forn
Read it online: https://recipebuster.com/recipe/how-to-prepare-baked-pasta/