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Pastitsio

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Pastitsio is a classic Greek comfort food featuring layers of pasta, spiced meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping, all baked to perfection. Often compared to lasagna, this dish combines savory flavors, aromatic spices, and a rich, creamy texture for a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  1. For the pasta:
  2. 1 lb (450g) penne or ziti pasta (rigatoni also works well)
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. For the meat sauce:
  6. 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
  7. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  8. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  9. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  10. 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  11. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  12. 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  13. 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
  14. 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  15. 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  16. Salt and pepper to taste
  17. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  18. For the béchamel sauce:
  19. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  20. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  21. 2 1/2 cups milk
  22. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  23. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  24. 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  25. 2 large eggs
  26. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and toss with olive oil. Set aside.

  1. Make the meat sauce: In a skillet, cook onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add ground meat, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Stir in cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and oregano. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, then stir in parsley (if using).
  2. Make the béchamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, then add flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Remove from heat, add nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cheese. Cool slightly before whisking in eggs.
  3. Assemble the Pastitsio: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch dish, layer pasta, meat sauce, and remaining pasta. Top with béchamel sauce.
  4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  1. For a vegetarian version, replace meat with cooked vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms, and add lentils or chickpeas for protein.
  2. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or chili powder in the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
  3. Increase the cheese in the béchamel for a richer, cheesier topping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pastitsio/