Pastizz

A pastizz (plural pastizzi) is a traditional savoury pastry from Malta. Pastizzi usually have a filling either of ricotta or mushy peas, and are called pastizzi tal-irkotta' (or cheese cake)', "tal haxu", or pastizzi tal-piżelli' (pea cake). Pastizzi are a popular and well-known Maltese food.

Preparation

Pastizzi are usually diamond-shaped or round-shaped (also called 'tax-xema') and made with a pastry very much like the Greek filo pastry (although there is also a puff pastry version). The pastry is folded in different ways according to the filling. They are typically baked on metal trays in electric or gas ovens in a pastizzerija, usually a small or family concern. They are also sold in bars, cafes and by street vendors.

Culinary export

Pastizzi are also produced by Maltese immigrant communities in Australia, the US, UK and Canada. The first pastizzeria in Scotland opened in 2007.

Pastizzi in the Maltese language

Such is its popularity, the word "pastizzi" has multiple meanings in Maltese. It is used as a euphemism for the female sexual organ (due to its shape) and for describing someone as an "idiot". The Maltese expression jinbiegħu bħall-pastizzi (selling like pastizzi) is equivalent to the English "selling like hot cakes", to describe a product which seems to have inexhaustible demand. Things which are jinħarġu bħall-pastizzi (coming out like pastizzi) can be said to be emerging at a fast rate, sometimes too quickly.