Mqarrun il-Forn

Mqarrun il-Forn

Mqarrun il-Forn (m-ah-ROON il-FORN)

Baked Macaroni

Prep Time 30 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 484 kcal

Maltese baked macaroni with a rich beef and tomato ragu, bound with eggs and cheese, baked until the top forms a golden crust.

Nutrition & Info

490 kcal per serving
Protein 26.0g
Carbs 50.0g
Fat 20.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

large pot baking dish skillet

Presentation Guide

Vessel: rectangular baking dish

Garnishes: parsley, Parmesan

Accompaniments: mixed salad, crusty bread

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.

  2. 2

    Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Add passata, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Simmer 15 min.

  3. 3

    Remove bay leaf. Mix sauce with pasta, beaten eggs, and half the Parmesan. Season well.

  4. 4

    Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan.

  5. 5

    Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 min until set with a golden crust.

  6. 6

    Rest 10 min, then cut into squares to serve.

💡

Did You Know?

Mqarrun il-forn is so beloved in Malta that it appears on restaurant menus alongside fine dining dishes without anyone batting an eye.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large pot
  • baking dish
  • skillet

Garnishing

parsley, Parmesan

Accompaniments

mixed salad, crusty bread

The Story Behind Mqarrun il-Forn

Mqarrun il-forn is the everyday counterpart to the grander timpana. While timpana is reserved for Sundays and festas, mqarrun il-forn is the Tuesday night staple — a testament to the Maltese love of baked pasta dishes inherited from Sicilian culinary tradition.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed weekday family dinner 📜 Origins: 19th century

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