MEMEMORIES OF MALTA ~ KUSKSU (Maltese Pasta and Broad Bean Soup)

couscous

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa is gluten-free and higher in protein.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade stock is fresher and more flavorful.

grated cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: no cheese

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without dairy.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is heart-healthy and has a high smoke point.

Welcome to the kitchen; introduce the dish Kusksu, a traditional Maltese soup.

Chop 1 large onion roughly and set aside.

Peel and chop 1 carrot into bite-sized pieces, set aside.

Mince garlic and set aside separately from the carrots and onions.

Chop 2 large vegetable marrows (or zucchini) into bite-sized cubes and set aside.

Slice 1 whole tomato and set aside (optional).

Heat good quality olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onions and carrots to the pot, cooking until softened but not browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes to release the aroma.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and mix well to cook out the raw flavor.

Add the whole tomato to the pot and let it break down as it heats up.

Season the mixture with cracked black pepper and sea salt to taste.

Add vegetable stock made from boiling water and vegetable stock cubes, adjusting with more water as needed.

Add frozen broad beans to the pot and let them cook for a couple of minutes.

Reduce heat to low and add the chopped vegetable marrow (or zucchini) to the pot, simmering until tender.

Once the vegetables are tender, add finely minced fresh parsley to the pot for flavor.

Add small round pasta (couscous) to the soup and keep it on medium heat to cook through, stirring occasionally.

Once the soup is done, serve it in bowls and add fresh Maltese cheese (jebane mia fris) or a dollop of ricotta on top to melt in.

Optionally, crack an egg into the pot to poach on top of the soup without stirring.

Taste and enjoy the Kusksu.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens