Ġbejniet Moqlija (Fried Cheeselets)

Maltese cheeselets lightly coated and fried until golden, served with lemon, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 10 minutes Servings: 4 people

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Ingredients

  • 8 small fresh or peppered ġbejniet
  • 50g plain flour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 80g breadcrumbs
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
  • Lemon wedges, to serve
  • Fresh parsley or mint, to serve
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheeselets: Pat the ġbejniet dry with kitchen paper.
  2. Coat: Dust each cheeselet in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
  3. Fry: Heat a shallow layer of oil in a pan. Fry the cheeselets for 1-2 minutes per side until golden.
  4. Serve: Drain briefly and serve hot with lemon, herbs, and black pepper.

Ġbejniet Moqlija are Maltese cheeselets fried until golden outside and soft inside. They are quick, salty, and excellent as a starter or part of a Maltese sharing table.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with lemon wedges
  • Add to a platter with olives and bigilla
  • Pair with salad and crusty bread
  • Sprinkle with mint or parsley

Traditional Notes & Tips

  • Fresh ġbejniet give a softer result; peppered ones are stronger
  • Pat them dry so the coating sticks
  • Fry quickly so the cheese does not leak too much
  • Serve immediately while warm
  • They can also be pan-fried without breadcrumbs for a simpler version