Aljotta
Maltese Fish Soup
Aljotta is a traditional Maltese fish soup, particularly popular during Lent due to its meat-free nature. It's characterized by its rich flavor derived from using whole fish, along with garlic, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Small fish (e.g., sprats, sardines, bogue)(gutted but left whole)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(finely chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(de-seeded and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Dried mint
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried marjoram
- 100 ml Dry sherry or dry white wine
- 2 Fish stock pots or cubes
- 1.5 liters Boiling water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 100 g Rice(cooked)
- Lemon wedges(for serving)
- Fresh parsley(for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and golden, about 5-10 minutes.
- 2
Add the chopped tomatoes, whole fish, dried mint, dried marjoram, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to avoid breaking the fish. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Pour in the sherry or white wine and stir. Cook until the liquid has evaporated.
- 4
Dissolve the fish stock pots or cubes in about 0.5 liters of boiling water. Add this to the pot, along with the remaining 1 liter of boiling water.
- 5
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the meat is white and soft.
- 6
Carefully remove the fish from the soup. Let it cool slightly, then remove the head, tail, skin, and bones. Strain the soup broth back into the pot.
- 7
Add the cooked rice to the strained broth. Bring to a boil and cook until the rice is tender.
- 8
Return the flaked fish meat to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of lemon juice.
- 9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using whole fish, including the head and tail, is crucial for developing the soup's rich flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of herbs and seasoning to your preference.
- ✓If you can't find small fish, larger fish fillets can be used, but the flavor may be less intense.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include a small amount of grated carrot or courgette for added texture.
- A bay leaf can be added during the simmering process for extra aroma.