Maltese
Qagħaq tal-Ġulġlien (Maltese Sesame Rings)
Traditional Maltese sesame rings with a crisp crust, tender crumb, and fragrant aniseed. A simple bakery classic for tea or snacking.
Traditional Maltese sesame rings with a crisp crust, tender crumb, and fragrant aniseed. A simple bakery classic for tea or snacking.
Bright, satisfying and built for real life.
This recipe brings together the generous flavours of Maltese cooking in a format that works on a busy day. Read through the method before starting and adjust seasoning to your taste.
The recipe
Qagħaq tal-Ġulġlien (Maltese Sesame Rings)
Ingredients
Ingredients
Method
- 1
Make the dough: Mix the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and aniseed in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and enough lukewarm water to form a soft dough.
- 2
Knead and rise: Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and leave to rise for 1-2 hours, until doubled.
- 3
Shape the rings: Divide the dough into 10-12 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, join the ends firmly, and place on lined baking trays.
- 4
Coat with sesame: Brush each ring with beaten egg or water, then sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Leave to rest for 20 minutes.
- 5
Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Qagħaq tal-Ġulġlien are Maltese sesame rings, often bought from bakeries and eaten with tea, coffee, or as a simple snack. They are fragrant with aniseed and covered with sesame seeds, giving them a distinctive Maltese bakery flavour.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tea or coffee
- Eat plain, with butter, or with ġbejna
- Add to a breakfast or snack table
- Good with dips such as bigilla
Traditional Notes & Tips
- Aniseed gives the rings their familiar aroma
- Seal the ends well so the rings do not open while baking
- Sesame seeds should be generous, not decorative
- Some versions are crisp and dry, while others are softer and bread-like
- Store in an airtight container once cooled
Recipe adapted from Maltese Recipes.
Storage
No specific storage guidance is provided in the source recipe.
Freezing
Check the recipe notes for any dish-specific freezing guidance.
Reheating
Follow current food-safety guidance and reheat cooked food thoroughly where appropriate.
Keep cooking
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