Today’s delight is Pastitsio, a classic Greek dish perfect for a satisfying lunch. It’s the ultimate comfort food with layers of pasta, hearty meat sauce, and creamy béchamel, baked to golden perfection. Here's how you can make it for your next meal:
Ingredients
For the Pasta Layer:
- 500 g macaroni or penne
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- Salt for boiling
For the Meat Sauce:
- 500 g ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 400 g crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a Greek touch)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 1 liter milk
- 100 g butter
- 100 g all-purpose flour
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1 egg yolk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 100 g grated Parmesan or Kefalotyri cheese
Preparation
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside. Toss with a bit of butter if desired to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook briefly. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer until thickened, about 20-25 minutes.
Make the Béchamel Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour to form a paste. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, then season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolk for added richness.
Assemble the Pastitsio:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a greased baking dish, spread half the cooked pasta evenly. Top with the meat sauce, followed by the remaining pasta. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it out to cover evenly.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the béchamel layer.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serving:
Allow the Pastitsio to cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into portions. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Have a great noon and enjoy this comforting classic! 😊
