Bigilla (Maltese Broad Bean Dip)
A rustic and flavorful dip made from mashed broad beans, garlic, and a blend of spices, often served with crusty bread or crackers. It's a staple appetizer in Maltese cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Dried broad beans(soaked overnight)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 small Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds(toasted and ground)
- 0.5 tsp Aniseed(ground)
- 0.25 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- as needed Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked broad beans and rinse them well. Place them in a pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until very tender. Drain, reserving some cooking liquid.
- 2
While the beans are cooking, heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
In a bowl, combine the cooked broad beans, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, ground coriander, ground aniseed, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 4
Mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher until it reaches a coarse, dip-like consistency. Add a little of the reserved bean cooking liquid or water if the dip is too thick.
- 5
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a smoother consistency, you can pulse it a few times in a food processor, but ensure it retains some texture.
- 6
Transfer the bigilla to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and garnish with a pinch of chili flakes or fresh parsley, if desired.
- 7
Serve at room temperature with crusty Maltese bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using dried broad beans provides the best texture and flavor. Canned broad beans can be used in a pinch, but may require less cooking time.
- ✓Toasting and grinding the coriander and aniseed just before use will enhance their aroma and flavor.
- ✓Bigilla can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and deepen overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cumin for a different spice profile.
- Stir in some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added sweetness and tang.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili.