Ross fil-Forn
A comforting and hearty baked rice dish, 'Ross fil-Forn' is a staple in Maltese households. It typically features rice baked with a rich meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese, creating a delicious casserole.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Arborio or medium-grain rice
- 400 g Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 400 g Crushed tomatoes
- 200 ml Beef or vegetable broth
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- 50 g Butter
- 50 g All-purpose flour
- 500 ml Milk(warm)
- 0.5 tsp Nutmeg(grated)
- 100 g Grated cheese(e.g., Parmesan or a local hard cheese)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- 2
Cook the rice: Cook the rice in plenty of salted boiling water until just under al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
- 3
Make the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the ground meat to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- 6
Make the béchamel sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in warm milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in half of the grated cheese.
- 7
Combine: In a large bowl, gently mix the partially cooked rice with the meat sauce and half of the béchamel sauce. Stir in half of the remaining grated cheese.
- 8
Assemble: Spread the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining grated cheese.
- 9
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- 10
Rest and serve: Let the 'Ross fil-Forn' rest for 10 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Do not overcook the rice initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- ✓Ensure the béchamel sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
- ✓You can add peas or other vegetables to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of sliced hard-boiled eggs in the middle of the dish.
- Use a vegetarian mince for a meat-free version.
- Incorporate some cooked ham or pancetta into the meat sauce.