While nowadays we probably cannot imagine living without an oven or an air fryer, our ancestors had to make do with what they had at the time to cook some decent meals.

Palazzo Falzon Historic House Museum posted on their social media page, a tribute to the traditional Maltese stone stove, known as kenur.

The kenur offers a fascinating glimpse into the culinary history of the islands. Before the advent of modern cooking technology, these stone stoves were the heart of every Maltese kitchen, playing a pivotal role in meal preparation.

Carved from the prized globigerina limestone, predominantly found in the picturesque island of Gozo, these stone kenurs were a symbol of craftsmanship and tradition. The kenur's reliance on firewood or coal made cooking a meticulous and time-consuming process.

To avoid filling the kitchen with smoke, the stove was usually placed in an open space, where chefs had to fan the flames, pay meticulous attention, and exercise patience.

Cooking on a kenur was a labour of love and skill, requiring a deep understanding of the stove's nuances. The slow and methodical approach to culinary creation ensured that the flavours were rich and infused with the essence of time and tradition.

While the use of the kenur has waned in the modern era, they remain a cherished relic of Maltese heritage, reminding us of a time when cooking was an art that demanded dedication and precision.

Have you ever come across one of these historical gems in Malta?