The Maltese Ftira

Possibly this would be the main element that describes Malta to the rest of the world. As I shared with you a few days ago, 5 other items were suggested for the UNESCO selection, but the Maltese ftira could be the eventual winner. It’s a simple loaf of flat bread, sliced in half, and pasted with tomato paste, doused with oil and vinegar, and inside, a variety of vegetables are placed. These include a slice of lettuce, a few slices of cucumber, a slice or two of juicy tomato, some olives, possibly a few onion rings, a few slices of radish, some tuna or salmon, or even anchovies, salt and pepper, and any other vegetable you may find interesting to add. Then close the two parts of the ftira, and dig your teeth into it. It’s a very healthy meal or snack and is very popular here in Malta. In fact, you may use whatever bread you have, a nice-sized loaf would be ideal, but pita bread or just slices of French bread would be good too.