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Maltese

Soppa tal-Armla (Widow's Soup)

A traditional Maltese vegetable soup enriched with small fresh cheeselets (ġbejna). Simple, rustic, and deeply comforting.

A traditional Maltese vegetable soup enriched with small fresh cheeselets (ġbejna). Simple, rustic, and deeply comforting.

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Prep15 minsCook40 minsServes4DifficultyMedium
Watercolour illustration of vegetable soup with cauliflower, peas and fresh Maltese cheese.

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.

Ingredient notes & swaps

  • Zucchini is also called courgette. If fresh Maltese cheeselets are unavailable, add a spoonful of well-drained ricotta to the serving bowl as a variation. It will soften into the soup rather than remaining in cubes, so do not expect the same texture. See the cheese substitution notes before choosing a replacement.

The recipe

Soppa tal-Armla (Widow's Soup)

15 min prep40 min cook55 min total4–6 people
Scale:

Ingredients

Ingredients

Method

  1. 1

    Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Add the vegetables: Add the carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, and zucchini to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the oil and aromatics. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add tomatoes and stock: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until all vegetables are tender.

  4. 4

    Add peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add ġbejna: Gently stir in the crumbled or cubed ġbejna. Let it warm through for 2-3 minutes. The cheese will soften slightly but should retain its shape.

  6. 6

    Optional egg ribbon: For a traditional touch, slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering soup while stirring gently with a fork. This creates delicate egg ribbons throughout.

  7. 7

    Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Soppa tal-Armla (Widow's Soup) is a beloved Maltese vegetable soup that showcases the island's tradition of creating nourishing meals from simple ingredients. Enriched with fresh ġbejna cheeselets, this rustic soup is deeply comforting and reflects Malta's culinary heritage. Originally a humble meal, it has become a national favourite served in homes across the islands.

Ingredient Substitutions Outside Malta

Zucchini is also called courgette. If fresh Maltese cheeselets are unavailable, add a spoonful of well-drained ricotta to the serving bowl as a variation. It will soften into the soup rather than remaining in cubes, so do not expect the same texture. See the cheese substitution notes before choosing a replacement.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with crusty Maltese bread (ħobż tal-Malti) for dipping
  • Perfect as a light lunch or dinner on cooler evenings
  • Pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad
  • Excellent as a starter before a heartier main course
  • Can be enjoyed year-round but especially comforting in winter

Traditional Notes & Tips

  • Ġbejna is essential for authentic flavour - fresh sheep's milk cheeselets give this soup its distinctive character
  • If you can't find ġbejna, ricotta salata or feta can be substituted, though the flavour will differ
  • The egg ribbon technique is optional but traditional in many Maltese households
  • This soup is naturally vegetarian and very wholesome
  • Originally made by widows with whatever vegetables were available - hence the name
  • The soup tastes even better the next day as flavours meld together
  • Can be frozen without the ġbejna - add fresh cheese when reheating
  • Adjust vegetable quantities based on seasonal availability and personal preference

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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