Baked Rice Ross Fil Forn Recipe – Traditional Maltese Baked Dish

Baked Rice Ross Fil Forn is a traditional Maltese dish that has been cherished for generations. This hearty and flavorful recipe is a staple in Maltese cuisine, often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions. The dish, rich with Mediterranean flavors, combines rice, ground meat, vegetables, and spices, all baked to perfection. The origins of Ross Fil Forn can be traced back to the influences of various cultures that have shaped Malta’s culinary heritage. This dish is not just food; it’s a comforting reminder of Malta’s rich history and the warmth of its people.

Ingredients

To make the best Baked Rice Ross Fil Forn, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Rice Base:

• 2 cups of long-grain rice (preferably Basmati or Jasmine)
• 4 cups of chicken broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 400g ground beef or pork (or a mixture of both)
• 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of curry powder (optional, for a Maltese twist)
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup of grated cheese (Cheddar or a local Maltese cheese like Ġbejna)
• 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Rice

1. Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat, and simmer until the rice is tender but still firm, about 15-20 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set the rice aside.

Step 2: Making the Meat Sauce

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and grated carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef or pork to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Assembling the Dish

1. Combine Rice and Meat Sauce: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the meat sauce. Mix thoroughly until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Layer the Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Spread the rice mixture evenly in the dish, pressing it down gently with a spatula.

Step 4: Adding the Topping

1. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the grated cheese. Pour this mixture over the top of the rice, spreading it evenly.
2. Optional Crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer if you prefer a crunchy topping.

Step 5: Baking

1. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
2. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier.

Tips and Variations

Tips:

• Use High-Quality Rice: For the best results, use a long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine. They hold up well during cooking and provide a fluffy texture.
• Adjust the Spice Level: The curry powder adds a unique Maltese twist to the dish. You can adjust the amount based on your preference or omit it entirely for a more traditional flavor.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground meat with a mixture of chopped mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant for a vegetarian option.
• Seafood Twist: Substitute the ground meat with shrimp or a mix of seafood, and add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Maltese Rice with Curry: For a spicier version, increase the amount of curry powder and add a pinch of chili flakes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming the recipe serves 6):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg

This dish is rich in protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and energy-boosting meal.

Baked Rice Ross Fil Forn is more than just a dish; it’s a taste of Malta’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re making this for a family gathering or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of rice, meat, and flavorful spices, all baked to perfection, offers a comforting and delicious meal. Give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations to make it your own.