Kusksu (Maltese Broad Bean & Pasta Soup)
Kusksu is a humble, warming Maltese soup made with fresh broad beans, tiny pasta (kusksu beads or orzo), and poached eggs. It’s one of Malta’s most beloved springtime dishes, traditionally cooked during the broad bean harvest and often served as a one-pot family dinner. Simple to prepare and nourishing, Kusksu is as comforting as it is culturally iconic.
NUTRITION
Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 52.1g | Protein: 23.4g | Fat: 13.7g
EQUIPMENT
Amount of servings servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil 30 g
- 100 g onion finely chopped
- 30 g tomato paste approx. 1 heaped tbsp
- 200 g fresh or frozen broad beans
- 100 g small pasta kusksu beads or orzo
- 1.2 L water or vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 eggs one per person
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavour.
- Add broad beans and water or stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in pasta and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until tender.
- Crack the eggs directly into the soup, spacing them apart. Poach gently for about 4–5 minutes until the whites are set but yolks still soft.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with Maltese crusty bread or galletti crackers.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!