National Dish Malta: Braġoli (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Braġoli, one of Malta’s most treasured dishes! Thin slices of beef are wrapped around a savoury filling of herbs, bacon and cheese, then slowly braised in a fragrant tomato sauce until meltingly tender. Known in English as Maltese beef olives, they are the kind of dish that appears at Sunday lunches and celebrations, filling the whole house with the smell of garlic, bay and slow-cooked tomato.
About Braġoli
Braġoli are a traditional Maltese dish made from tender beef rolls. Each roll is wrapped around a special stuffing of herbs, bacon and cheese, which gives the dish its unmistakable character. The combination of juicy meat and aromatic filling is a genuine treat for the senses. Braġoli are not only delicious but also a firmly established part of Maltese cooking and culture, sitting alongside classics such as Stuffat Tal-Fenek on the island’s festive table.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 300g beef (for example beef fillet)
- 50g bacon, diced
- 100g cheese (for example ġbejna or Parmesan), grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 400g chopped tomatoes (tinned)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- 1–2 bay leaves
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for braġoli, take care to choose good-quality beef so you get the best possible flavour. Visit a proper butcher who can advise you on the different cuts and slice them thinly for rolling. Fresh herbs and a well-made cheese are equally decisive for the depth of the stuffing — the Maltese sheep’s cheese ġbejna is the classic choice and also turns up in Ġbejniet. A well-stocked supermarket or a local market will give you plenty of fresh, regional produce.
Preparing the dish
Preparation is the key to a successful plate of braġoli. Begin by beating the beef slices flat so they roll neatly and cook evenly. Prepare the filling from bacon, cheese and herbs, using fresh ingredients to intensify the flavour. It is important to spread the stuffing evenly across each slice before rolling it up carefully and securing it with kitchen string or cocktail sticks.
Step-by-step instructions
- Beat the beef flat and season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the filling from bacon, cheese, parsley, onion and garlic.
- Spread the filling evenly over the beef slices and roll them up.
- Secure the rolls with kitchen string or cocktail sticks.
- Heat a little olive oil in a large pan and brown the rolls on all sides.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and bay leaves and bring everything to the boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the braġoli braise for about 1.5 hours.
- Remove the string or sticks before serving and arrange the rolls attractively.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make braġoli gluten-free and lactose-free, swap the cheese for a plant-based option or a lactose-free variety. Also check that every spice and ingredient you use really is free from gluten. The beef rolls themselves are usually naturally gluten-free, as long as no gluten-containing fillers are added. With these simple adjustments, anyone with an intolerance can enjoy the dish too.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan or vegetarian version of braġoli, replace the beef with stuffed aubergines or courgettes. Fill them with a mixture of vegetables, pulses and herbs to build up rich flavour, and use a plant-based cheese alternative. The same approach works beautifully in Brungiel Mimli. These variations keep the spirit of the dish intact and make it accessible to everyone.
More tips and tricks
To deepen the flavours of your braġoli further, add a splash of red wine during braising for extra richness. Turn the rolls regularly so they cook evenly all the way through. Serve the dish with fresh bread or a side of potatoes to mop up the delicious sauce. These small tricks will help you create a truly memorable meal.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Adjust the braġoli filling to your own preference by adding extra herbs or spices. Thyme or oregano, for instance, lend the stuffing a distinctly Mediterranean note. Experiment with different cheeses to find the perfect combination for your palate. The recipe is highly versatile and leaves plenty of room to invent new variations every time you cook it.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have all the ingredients for braġoli to hand, there are plenty of alternatives. Instead of bacon you can use smoked vegetarian substitutes or simply work in more vegetables. Soya or tofu fillings also deliver a hearty, savoury flavour. Remember to keep an eye on cooking times when swapping ingredients, as this can affect the final result.
Drink pairing ideas
A glass of robust red wine such as a Sangiovese or a Chianti goes wonderfully with braġoli and complements the dish’s sturdy flavours. For an alcohol-free alternative, homemade lemonade or a lively grape juice work well. These drinks not only harmonise with the taste of the food but also bring freshness and brightness to the table. Try matching the drinks to the occasion to delight your guests.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays an important part in a successful braġoli dinner. An attractively dressed serving platter with fresh greenery, such as parsley or basil, makes the dish look even more appetising. Serve the rolls on a bed of the braising sauce and garnish with a little freshly grated cheese or toasted nuts. A side of Patata L Forn rounds the plate off beautifully and makes the whole meal feel festive.
A bit of history
The history of braġoli reaches deep into the traditions of Maltese cuisine. Originally developed as a simple home-cooked dish, it survives in countless individual versions across Maltese households. The way the filling is put together often reflects regional produce and family custom. The dish is usually served at festive occasions or Sunday lunches, which underlines its importance in the culture of the islands and in Maltese cooking more widely.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Braġoli
In short, braġoli are a flavourful and traditional dish that captures the character of Maltese cooking in the most wonderful way. With their savoury filling and rich tomato sauce, they are perfect for special occasions or simply for a relaxed family dinner. Thanks to the many ways they can be adapted and prepared, braġoli are a dish that keeps delivering fresh pleasure. Enjoy this delicious classic and share a little of Malta’s tradition with the people you love.
