gozitandrink
Imbuljuta tal-Qastan
A warming Gozitan Christmas drink of chestnuts, chocolate, and spices.
Prep
10 min
Cook
40 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.6(143 ratings)#chestnuts#chocolate#Christmas#hot drink#spiced
About This Recipe
Imbuljuta is a uniquely Maltese and Gozitan tradition: a spiced hot drink of boiled chestnuts, cocoa, orange peel, and cloves sipped on Christmas Eve after Midnight Mass. Its earthy sweetness and warming spices make it an instant comfort on a cold December night.
Ingredients
Serves 6
- 300 gdried chestnuts(soaked overnight)
- 3 tbspcocoa powder
- 80 gsugar
- 1 striporange peel
- 4cloves
- 1 litrewater
Instructions
- 1
Cook chestnuts
Drain soaked chestnuts. Cover with fresh water, add orange peel and cloves, and simmer 35–40 minutes until tender.
- 2
Add cocoa and sugar
Stir in cocoa powder and sugar. Simmer 5 more minutes.
- 3
Adjust consistency
Add more water if too thick; the drink should be pourable but hearty.
- 4
Serve hot
Ladle into cups ensuring each cup gets some chestnuts. Serve piping hot.
Pro Tips
- →
Soaking chestnuts overnight is essential.
- →
Adjust sugar to taste.
Variations
- •
Add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth.
- •
Use peeled cooked chestnuts from a jar to save time.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
History & Origin
Imbuljuta has been served after Midnight Mass in Malta and Gozo for hundreds of years, a living Christmas tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chestnuts?
Yes, peel and boil them — they cook more quickly than dried.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 6 servings total
Calories180kcal
Protein3g
Carbohydrates38g
Fat2g
Fiber5g
Protein3g
Carbs38g
Fat2g
Time Summary
Prep time10 min
Cook time40 min
Total time50 min
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