Kusksu

Name: Kusksu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Maltese
Ingredients: 200g kusksu pasta (or pearl couscous); 300g fresh or frozen broad beans; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1L vegetable broth; 100g fresh ricotta; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley; Salt, pepper

Kusksu (KOOS-ksoo)

Maltese Bean and Pasta Soup

⏱ Prep Time 15 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 254 kcal

A comforting Maltese soup of tiny pearl-shaped pasta beads simmered with broad beans, ricotta, and fresh vegetables in a light broth.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 14.0g

Carbs 36.0g

Fat 6.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

large pot ladle cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep bowl

Garnishes: ricotta, parsley, olive oil

Accompaniments: crusty bread

Ingredients

200g kusksu pasta (or pearl couscous)
300g fresh or frozen broad beans
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1L vegetable broth
100g fresh ricotta
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley
Salt, pepper

Instructions

1
Heat olive oil, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2
Add tomato paste, stir 1 min. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
3
Add broad beans and simmer 10 min.
4
Add kusksu pasta, cook until tender, about 8 min.
5
Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls.
6
Top each bowl with a spoonful of ricotta and chopped parsley. Drizzle with olive oil.

💡

Did You Know?

Kusksu pasta beads are unique to Malta — tiny round balls of pasta that resemble large couscous grains, reflecting the islands' Arab heritage.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
ladle
cutting board

Garnishing

ricotta, parsley, olive oil

Accompaniments

crusty bread

The Story Behind Kusksu

Kusksu reveals Malta's Arab culinary heritage — the name and the tiny pasta beads echo North African couscous. This springtime soup, enriched with the season's first broad beans, is a traditional Easter dish that bridges Malta's Arab past and Mediterranean present.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed spring, especially around easter 📜 Origins: Arab influence

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