Pastitsio ii –Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Greece? Today, we bring you a delightful recipe for Pastitsio, a classic Greek dish that will tantalize your taste buds. This comforting baked pasta is layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this Pastitsio recipe is sure to impress!
Pastitsio
Let’s dive into the visual appeal before we get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pasta (preferably tubular, like bucatini or ziti)
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For the béchamel sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
- Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, prepare the béchamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, and mix in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs, then slowly add a little of the warm béchamel sauce to temper them. Gradually whisk the egg mixture back into the béchamel.
- To assemble, layer half of the cooked pasta in a greased baking dish. Spread the meat sauce evenly on top, then add the remaining pasta. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it out.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Pastitsio!
This warm and hearty dish is a celebration of Greek flavors. Each bite takes you on a journey to the sunny Mediterranean, where the blend of spices and creamy textures makes for an unforgettable meal. So grab your apron and enjoy the process of cooking this traditional Pastitsio!