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Recipe: How To Make Pastitsio | Greek Food


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Here is how to make Pastitsio


Pastitsio is a delicious and comforting Greek baked pasta dish. It's similar to lasagna and typically consists of three layers: a bottom layer of pasta, a middle layer of ground meat cooked in a tomato-based sauce, and a top layer of creamy béchamel sauce. Here's a recipe for you to follow:


Ingredients:

For the pasta layer:

  1. 500g (1.1 lbs) tubular pasta (like bucatini or ziti)

  2. 2 eggs

  3. 50g (about 1.7 oz) grated Parmesan cheese

  4. Salt and pepper to taste

For the meat sauce:

  1. 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef or lamb

  2. 1 large onion, finely chopped

  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced

  4. 1 can (about 400g or 14 oz) chopped tomatoes

  5. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  6. 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the béchamel sauce:

  1. 100g (about 3.5 oz) butter

  2. 100g (about 3.5 oz) all-purpose flour

  3. 1 liter (about 4.2 cups) milk

  4. 2 eggs

  5. 100g (about 3.5 oz) grated Parmesan cheese

  6. Nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste




Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until it's just under al dente. Drain, then mix with the eggs and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

  2. Make the meat sauce: In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Add the tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

  3. Make the béchamel sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and whisk in the eggs, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

  4. Assemble the pastitsio: In a large baking dish, layer the ingredients: first half the pasta, then the meat sauce, then the rest of the pasta, and finally the béchamel sauce.

  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the pastitsio for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pasta is cooked through.

  6. Serve: Let the pastitsio rest for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Pastitsio! It's a wonderful, hearty dish that's perfect for a family dinner or gathering.



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