Timpana (Pasta Pie) | A Traditional Maltese Dish

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories, while processed cheese is more affordable.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato sauce

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Homemade sauce is fresher, while canned tomatoes are budget-friendly.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers a healthier fat profile, while vegetable oil is cost-effective.

Prepare the shortcrust pastry by mixing plain flour, butter, water, and salt; then chill.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Cook Tortiglioni pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.

In a skillet, cook pancetta, minced beef, minced pork, and veal or chicken liver until browned.

Add finely diced onion, celery, carrot, and chopped garlic to the skillet; sauté until softened.

Stir in vegetable stock, tomato juice, red wine, tomato paste, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, combine cooked meat mixture with grated Parmesan cheese and eggs.

In a large baking dish, layer half of the shortcrust pastry; spread the meat mixture over it.

Top with remaining pastry, pressing down gently to compact.

Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until heated through and golden brown on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens