National Dish Malta: Hobbiz biz-Zejt (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Hobbiz biz-Zejt, a sunny little plate that sums up everything good about Maltese cooking. Tender artichokes are simmered until soft, then bathed in fruity olive oil with garlic, oregano and a squeeze of lemon. It takes barely any effort, tastes of the Mediterranean and works equally well as a nibble with drinks or as a side dish at the table. One forkful and you are sitting in the shade of a Valletta courtyard.
About Hobbiz biz-Zejt
Hobbiz biz-Zejt is a traditional dish from Malta, known for its unmistakable flavour and its colourful presentation. The combination of fresh ingredients such as artichokes, garlic and good-quality olive oil wins over locals and visitors alike. It can be served as an appetising snack or as a tasty side dish alongside almost anything. The bright aromas and the sheer simplicity of the preparation make Hobbiz biz-Zejt a must for anyone who wants to get to know the island’s kitchen.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 4 medium artichokes
- 50 ml good-quality olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: black olives, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Hobbiz biz-Zejt, quality is what counts. Fresh artichokes are the key to a successful dish, so look for heads that feel firm and are still tightly closed. A good extra virgin olive oil delivers the rich, distinctive taste that defines the recipe, and it is worth spending a little more here. Do not forget fresh garlic either, as it lifts the aromas considerably.
Preparing the dish
Getting Hobbiz biz-Zejt ready is straightforward and takes only a few basic steps. Start by trimming the artichokes: pull away the tough outer leaves and cut off the pointed tips. Once they are prepared, drop them into a bowl of water with the lemon juice to stop them browning. This simple bit of groundwork also keeps them looking fresh and gives the finished dish a pleasant, clean flavour.
Step-by-step instructions
- Put the prepared artichokes into a medium pan of salted water and bring to the boil.
- Reduce the heat and let them simmer for around 20–25 minutes, until tender.
- Meanwhile, combine the olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Drain the cooked artichokes and let them cool slightly before arranging them on a serving plate.
- Spoon the olive oil mixture evenly over the artichokes and garnish with black olives if you like.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
One of the great advantages of Hobbiz biz-Zejt is that it is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. The main ingredients — artichokes, olive oil and seasonings — contain nothing problematic at all. That means people with food intolerances can enjoy this dish without a second thought. Just check the label when buying olive oil to make sure there is no risk of cross-contamination.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Hobbiz biz-Zejt is a perfect dish for vegans and vegetarians, since every ingredient is plant-based. To ring the changes, add different herbs and spices that suit your own palate. A pinch of chilli, for instance, brings a gentle heat, while extra vegetables such as tomatoes or peppers boost both colour and nutrition. The same generous use of pulses and vegetables shows up in Bigilla, another Maltese favourite.
More tips and tricks
A few small tricks make all the difference here. Let the artichokes rest for a couple of minutes after cooking so they soak up the olive oil properly. Keep any leftovers in the fridge and enjoy the cold version the next day — the flavour is often even more intense. It is also worth trying different olive oils, from grassy and peppery to soft and buttery, to see how much they change the character of the dish.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Adapting Hobbiz biz-Zejt to personal preference could hardly be easier. Add Parmesan for a creamier touch, or a little smoked fish for a more pronounced savoury note. A mixture of chopped herbs can give the plate an interesting twist too. Treat the recipe as a starting point and experiment freely — much as Maltese cooks do with the vegetable stew Kappunata.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient to hand, there are plenty of alternatives. Instead of artichokes, try courgettes or aubergines, which sit just as happily with olive oil and seasoning. For a different direction altogether, a splash of sesame oil in place of olive oil takes the dish somewhere new. Stuffed vegetables such as Żebbuġ Mimli show how flexible this style of cooking can be.
Drink pairing ideas
Refreshing drinks suit a dish like this particularly well. A Maltese beer or a crisp white wine complements the Mediterranean flavours beautifully. Alcohol-free options work just as nicely: a homemade lemonade or a chilled peach iced tea both make pleasant partners. Whatever you choose, serve it properly cold so it cuts through the richness of the oil.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can turn Hobbiz biz-Zejt into a real highlight of the table. Arrange the artichokes on an attractive plate and scatter over fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. Rustic, olive-green ceramics underline the Mediterranean feel, and a drizzle of good balsamic vinegar adds a final flourish. Serve it as part of a spread with bread and cheese for a relaxed, generous look.
A bit of history
Hobbiz biz-Zejt has a long tradition on the islands and illustrates how strongly Mediterranean culture has shaped Maltese cuisine. Olive oil and fresh produce have been central to the local table for centuries, brought and reinforced by successive waves of settlers and traders. The artichoke, which thrives in the region’s warm, dry climate, is prepared in countless ways here — boiled, stuffed, roasted or dressed like this. The dish sits comfortably alongside heartier classics such as Bragioli.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Hobbiz biz-Zejt
Hobbiz biz-Zejt is a simple yet thoroughly delicious dish from Malta that charms with fresh ingredients and bright flavours. The preparation calls for only a handful of steps, and the result can be enjoyed in any number of variations. Whether you serve it as a snack or as a side, those sunny Mediterranean tastes are sure to impress. Enjoy a little piece of Malta in every portion.
