Ħobż biż-Żejt (Maltese Tomato and Tuna Bread)
In short: Crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled with olive oil and spread with tomato paste, then piled with tuna, capers, olives and mint. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 590 kcal
Ħobż biż-żejt means bread with oil, and it is one of the simplest and most popular lunches in Malta. Thick slices of crusty bread are rubbed with very ripe tomatoes, soaked with good olive oil and spread with sweet tomato paste, then topped with tuna, capers, olives and onion. It is picnic food and beach food, and it improves as it sits. Use the ripest tomatoes you can find, because they do most of the work.
Instructions
- Cut the loaf into 4 thick pieces and halve each one horizontally, or halve the rolls. If the bread is soft, toast the cut sides lightly under a hot grill for 2 minutes.
- Halve 3 of the tomatoes. Rub the cut side of each tomato firmly over the cut side of the bread, squeezing, until the bread is soaked with juice and pulp.
- Drizzle the bread with the olive oil and spread the bottom halves with the tomato paste.
- Slice the remaining 2 tomatoes and lay them on the bottom halves. Top with the tuna, capers, olives, onion and mint, and season with pepper.
- Close the sandwiches, press down gently and let them rest for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the flavors. Serve at room temperature.
Tips
- Sun-dried tomato paste (kunserva) is sweeter than regular paste. If you only have double-concentrated paste, thin it with a little olive oil and a pinch of sugar.
- Slices of fresh sheep's cheese or a sliced boiled egg make good additions. For a vegetarian version, leave out the tuna and add extra capers and olives.
Questions and answers
What bread is used for ħobż biż-żejt?
Traditionally Maltese ħobża, a crusty loaf with a soft, airy crumb. A rustic Italian loaf or ciabatta is a good substitute.
Can I make ħobż biż-żejt ahead for a picnic?
Yes. Wrap it tightly and keep it for up to 4 hours. It tastes even better after an hour, when the bread has soaked up the oil and tomato.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes. Leave out the tuna and add extra capers, olives and sliced tomato, or a little fresh cheese.
How long does it take to make Ħobż biż-Żejt (Maltese Tomato and Tuna Bread)?
About 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ħobż biż-Żejt (Maltese Tomato and Tuna Bread)?
About 590 kcal per serving, with 27 g of protein, 70 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 590 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
