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Maltese

Qarabagħli Mimli (Stuffed Marrows)

Traditional Maltese stuffed marrows filled with minced meat, rice, herbs, and tomato sauce. A comforting baked family dish.

Traditional Maltese stuffed marrows filled with minced meat, rice, herbs, and tomato sauce. A comforting baked family dish.

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Prep30 minsCook60 minsServes4DifficultyMedium
Watercolour illustration of baked marrow halves stuffed with beef, rice and tomato.

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

Qarabagħli Mimli (Stuffed Marrows)

30 min prep60 min cook90 min total4–6 people
Scale:

Ingredients

Ingredients

Method

  1. 1

    Prepare the marrows: Cut the marrows in half lengthways and scoop out the centres, leaving sturdy shells. Chop some of the scooped flesh and set aside.

  2. 2

    Cook the filling: Heat the olive oil and cook the onion until soft. Add the garlic, minced meat, and chopped marrow flesh. Cook until the meat browns.

  3. 3

    Add rice and tomato: Stir in the rice, half the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

  4. 4

    Stuff: Preheat the oven to 190°C (fan 180°C). Place the marrow shells in a baking dish and fill with the meat mixture. Spoon the remaining tomatoes around them.

  5. 5

    Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese if using, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until tender and golden.

Qarabagħli Mimli are Maltese stuffed marrows, usually filled with minced meat, rice, herbs, and tomato. They are a practical, comforting family dish and a good example of Maltese home cooking built around seasonal vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with roast potatoes or crusty bread
  • Add a green salad on the side
  • Spoon over the tomato juices from the dish
  • Good warm or at room temperature

Traditional Notes & Tips

  • Do not scoop the marrows too thinly or they may collapse
  • The rice finishes cooking in the oven
  • Some families add an egg to bind the filling
  • Cheese on top is optional but common
  • Leftovers reheat well the next day

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.

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