# Balbuljata (Maltese Scrambled Eggs with Tomato)

Source: https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/balbuljata/

A traditional Maltese summer dish of ripe tomatoes, eggs, garlic, and fresh herbs. Simple, rustic, and full of flavour.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3-4 people
Tags: eggs, maltese-classic, summer, vegetarian, traditional, quick-meal



## Ingredients

Measures: **1 tbsp = 15ml; 1 tsp = 5ml.** For local ingredient names and substitutions, see our [guide to Maltese ingredients abroad](/maltese-ingredients-abroad/).



- 3 tbsp olive oil

- 1 small onion (120g), finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 800g very ripe tomatoes, chopped (skins on)

- 4-5 eggs

- Small handful fresh mint (traditional) or parsley

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Optional: pinch chilli flakes


## Instructions

1. **Cook the base**: Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Saute onion for 4-5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook gently without browning.

2. **Add tomatoes**: Add chopped tomatoes and season lightly. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and become slightly saucy but not dry.

3. **Add eggs**: Lightly beat eggs in a bowl. Lower heat and pour eggs into the tomato mixture. Stir gently and cook until softly set. The texture should be moist and slightly creamy, not dry scrambled eggs.

4. **Finish**: Remove from heat, stir in chopped fresh mint (or parsley), and adjust seasoning.

Balbuljata is a traditional Maltese summer dish made with ripe tomatoes, eggs, garlic, and fresh herbs. It is simple, rustic, and perfect when tomatoes are at their sweetest. It is often eaten for a light lunch or supper.

## How to Serve

- With crusty Maltese bread
- With a drizzle of extra olive oil
- At room temperature or warm
- Sometimes with ġbejna on the side

## Traditional Notes & Tips

- Mint is very traditional and gives a distinctive Maltese flavour
- The dish should remain soft and juicy
- Best made in summer with very ripe local tomatoes




## Explore the collections

- [30 traditional Maltese dishes](https://www.malteserecipes.com/collections/traditional-maltese-recipes/)


## Serve with or cook next

- [Ħobż Malti (Maltese Bread)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/hobz-malti/): Serve with crusty bread to catch the soft eggs and tomato juices.

- [Froġa tat-Tarja (Vermicelli Omelette)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/froga-tat-tarja/): Try a vermicelli omelette for another simple egg-based lunch.

- [Kapunata (Maltese Vegetable Stew)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/kapunata/): Cook a vegetable dish that also makes good use of ripe summer tomatoes.