RecipesMaltaKusksu (Maltese Vegetable Soup)

Kusksu (Maltese Vegetable Soup)

A hearty and comforting vegetable soup featuring kusksu (small pasta pearls), often enriched with eggs and flavored with mint and lemon.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings6
DifficultyEasy
Kusksu (Maltese Vegetable Soup) - Malta traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 medium Onion(chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 2 medium Carrots(diced)
  • 2 medium Potatoes(diced)
  • 400 g Canned chopped tomatoes
  • 1.5 liters Vegetable broth
  • 150 g Kusksu pasta
  • 2 tbsp Fresh mint(chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 2 large Eggs(optional, for poaching)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. 4

    Add the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

  5. 5

    Stir in the kusksu pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

  6. 6

    If using eggs, gently crack them into the simmering soup, one at a time, and poach for 3-5 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

  7. 7

    Stir in the chopped fresh mint and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  8. 8

    Serve hot, ensuring each bowl gets an egg if poached. Garnish with extra mint if desired.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Kusksu pasta can be found in specialty food stores or online.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or peas.
  • For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
  • Stir in some shredded cooked chicken or rabbit for a more substantial meal.

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