Meatless Widow’s Soup 

Meatless Widow’s Soup is a comforting Mediterranean vegetable soup inspired by the traditional Maltese classic known as Soppa tal-Armla. Despite its humble name, this soup is rich, nourishing, and deeply satisfying, built around seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a light tomato based broth. The addition of small cheeselets and gently poached eggs makes it hearty enough to serve as a full meal while still feeling wholesome and rustic. Perfect for cooler days or when you want something simple yet nourishing, this meatless version stays true to tradition while being accessible for everyday home cooking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6 bowls

Ingredients

Base & Aromatics

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

Vegetables

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 carrots, sliced

2 cups cauliflower florets

1 cup broad beans (fresh or frozen)

1 cup peas

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 small kohlrabi, peeled and diced

1 small zucchini or marrow, chopped (optional)

Liquids & Flavoring

6 cups vegetable stock or light chicken stock

2 tbsp tomato paste (kunserva)

Additions

4 to 6 small ġbejniet (Maltese cheeselets) or small fresh goat cheese rounds

4 large eggs

Seasoning & Garnish

1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add potatoes, carrots, celery, kohlrabi, and cauliflower to the pot. Stir well to coat them with the aromatics.

Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.

Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add broad beans, peas, and optional zucchini. Continue simmering for another 10 to 12 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Gently place ġbejniet into the soup and allow them to warm through. Crack eggs carefully into the simmering broth and cook until the whites are set but yolks remain soft.

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the soup and serve hot with crusty bread.

Tips

Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

Sautéing onions slowly helps create a sweeter, deeper base flavor.

Stir tomato paste briefly before adding liquid to remove any raw taste.

Use homemade stock if possible for a richer and more natural flavor.

Add delicate vegetables like peas near the end so they keep their color and texture.

Crack eggs into a small bowl first, then slide them into the soup for better control.

If ġbejniet are unavailable, substitute small rounds of fresh goat cheese or feta chunks.

Simmer gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep vegetables intact.

Add parsley just before serving to maintain its fresh flavor.

Serve with toasted bread rubbed lightly with garlic for a traditional touch.

Variations

Make it fully vegan by omitting eggs and cheeselets and adding white beans for protein.

Add spinach or Swiss chard during the last few minutes for extra greens.

Include small pasta shapes or rice to create a more filling soup.

Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.

Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Add fresh thyme or bay leaf while simmering for herbal depth.

Blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot for a thicker texture.

Include chickpeas or lentils for additional protein and heartiness.

Top each serving with grated Parmesan for a richer finish.

Spice it lightly with chili flakes for a subtle kick.

Q&A

What is Widow’s Soup traditionally?

It is a rustic Maltese vegetable soup often enriched with cheeselets and eggs.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, cook the soup base ahead and add eggs when reheating.

Can I freeze this soup?

Freeze without eggs or cheese, then add fresh when serving.

Is chicken stock necessary?

No, vegetable stock works perfectly for a meatless version.

How do I avoid overcooking vegetables?

Add quicker cooking vegetables later in the process.

Can I use canned vegetables?

Fresh or frozen vegetables are preferred for best texture.

What if I cannot find kohlrabi?

Substitute turnip or extra celery.

How do I make it thicker?

Mash a few potatoes in the pot or simmer longer uncovered.

Can I skip the eggs?

Yes, the soup remains flavorful without them.

What bread pairs well?

Rustic sourdough or crusty country bread complements the soup beautifully.

Nutrition

(Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 260

Protein: 14 g

Fat: 12 g

Carbohydrates: 26 g

Fiber: 6 g

Sodium: 620 mg

Conclusion

Meatless Widow’s Soup is a warm, nourishing dish rooted in Mediterranean tradition and simple home cooking. Packed with vegetables, enriched with tender cheeselets, and finished with softly poached eggs, it offers both comfort and balance in every bowl. The recipe is flexible, making it easy to adapt based on seasonal produce or dietary needs. Whether served as a light main meal or a hearty starter, this wholesome soup captures the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something deeply satisfying and memorable.