Ġbejniet Fritti with Honey Drizzle
Crispy fried Maltese cheeselets (ġbejniet) served with a sweet honey drizzle, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This dish is a popular appetizer or snack, showcasing a staple Maltese cheese.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 pieces Ġbejniet (Maltese cheeselets)(preferably sheep's milk, fresh or semi-cured)
- 100 g All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs(beaten)
- 150 g Breadcrumbs(panko or regular)
- 500 ml Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 4 tbsp Honey(for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp Fresh thyme or parsley(chopped, for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ġbejniet: If using fresh ġbejniet, pat them very dry with paper towels. If using semi-cured, they should already be firm enough.
- 2
Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
- 3
Coat each ġbejniet: Dredge each cheeselet first in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- 4
Heat the oil: In a deep pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 180°C (350°F). A breadcrumb dropped in should sizzle immediately.
- 5
Fry the ġbejniet: Carefully place the breaded ġbejniet into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- 6
Drain and serve: Remove the fried ġbejniet with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 7
Drizzle and garnish: Arrange the hot, crispy ġbejniet on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley, if using.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the ġbejniet are well-dried before breading to help the coating stick.
- ✓Do not overcrowd the frying pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy ġbejniet.
- ✓Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of fig jam instead of honey.
- For a lighter option, bake the breaded ġbejniet at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.