Baked Rice (Ross Fil-Forn)

Ross fil-forn is a traditional Maltese dish. Serve it with Parmesan cheese and enjoy the Mediterranean flavors!

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 730 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 cups long grain white rice
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 pound lean ground beef
• 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1.25 cups chicken stock
• 1.5 cups canned crushed tomatoes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, and cook, stirring to crumble, until evenly browned. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and bay leaves. Simmer for 25 minutes over low heat.

Step 3

Meanwhile, place the rice into a saucepan with enough water to cover by one inch. Bring to a boil, and cook for about 10 minutes (halfway), then drain off water.

Step 4

Remove the bay leaves from the sauce, and mix in the half-cooked rice. Stir in the basil, mint, eggs, and mozzarella cheese; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 5

Bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed.