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Recipe of Pastitsio
Pastitsio is a classic Greek dish that combines layers of pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It's a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for special occasions or a family dinner. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg in the meat sauce adds a unique twist to this traditional recipe.
Recipe Summary
Preparation60 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
CategoryPasta - Noodles
Ingredients
1 pound (450g) penne or macaroni pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 pound (450g) ground beef or lamb
1/2 cup red wine
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Béchamel Sauce:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
2 egg yolks
Salt and nutmeg to taste
Join me and let's see how to make Pastitsio
Instructions:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Step 4
Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it's browned.
Step 5
Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it reduces slightly.
Step 6
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the meat sauce for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens. Remove it from the heat.
Step 7
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter for the béchamel sauce over low heat. Add the flour and stir to form a paste.
Step 8
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and nutmeg.
Step 9
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks, and then temper them by adding a small amount of the hot béchamel sauce while stirring continuously. Pour the tempered yolks into the sauce, stirring well.
Step 10
Combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce, then fold in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 11
Grease a baking dish and spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in it. Pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta.
Step 12
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the béchamel layer.
Step 13
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is set.
Step 14
Allow the Pastitsio to cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares or slices and enjoy your homemade Greek delight!
Tips for this recipe
Here are some useful tips to perfectly prepare Pastitsio and get the best results.
Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor
Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook
Monitor temperature during cooking to prevent burning
Variations of this recipe
Try these delicious variations of Pastitsio to give a different touch to your preparation.
Vegetarian version: substitute meat with plant proteins like tofu or legumes
Spicy version: add chili peppers or spicy spices to taste
Healthy version: reduce oil and increase vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe has a Intermediate difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.
The preparation time is 60 minutes and the cooking time is minutes.
This recipe is designed for servings.
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.
Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.