Maltese
Balbuljata (Maltese Scrambled Eggs with Tomato)
Make traditional Maltese balbuljata with ripe tomatoes, softly scrambled eggs, garlic, and mint. A quick, rustic meal ready in 30 minutes.
Make traditional Maltese balbuljata with ripe tomatoes, softly scrambled eggs, garlic, and mint. A quick, rustic meal ready in 30 minutes.
Bright, satisfying and built for real life.
This recipe brings together the generous flavours of Maltese cooking in a format that works on a busy day. Read through the method before starting and adjust seasoning to your taste.
The recipe
Balbuljata (Maltese Scrambled Eggs with Tomato)
Ingredients
Ingredients
Method
- 1
Cook the base: Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Saute onion for 4-5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook gently without browning.
- 2
Add tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and season lightly. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and become slightly saucy but not dry.
- 3
Add eggs: Lightly beat eggs in a bowl. Lower heat and pour eggs into the tomato mixture. Stir gently and cook until softly set. The texture should be moist and slightly creamy, not dry scrambled eggs.
- 4
Finish: Remove from heat, stir in chopped fresh mint (or parsley), and adjust seasoning.
Balbuljata is a traditional Maltese summer dish made with ripe tomatoes, eggs, garlic, and fresh herbs. It is simple, rustic, and perfect when tomatoes are at their sweetest. It is often eaten for a light lunch or supper.
How to Serve
- With crusty Maltese bread
- With a drizzle of extra olive oil
- At room temperature or warm
- Sometimes with ġbejna on the side
Traditional Notes & Tips
- Mint is very traditional and gives a distinctive Maltese flavour
- The dish should remain soft and juicy
- Best made in summer with very ripe local tomatoes
Recipe adapted from Maltese Recipes.
Storage
No specific storage guidance is provided in the source recipe.
Freezing
Check the recipe notes for any dish-specific freezing guidance.
Reheating
Follow current food-safety guidance and reheat cooked food thoroughly where appropriate.
Keep cooking
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