Pastitsio is a traditional Greek dish, often considered the Greek version of Italian lasagna. It consists of pasta, seasoned ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all baked together to create a flavorful and comforting culinary experience. It’s a perfect dish for a family meal or to impress your guests at a dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare authentic Pastitsio:
- 500g of tubular pasta
- 500g of ground meat (beef or lamb)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 400g of canned tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- 100g of feta cheese, crumbled
- 50g of butter
- 50g of flour
- 500ml of milk
- 2 eggs
- Nutmeg
Preparation
Follow these steps to prepare Pastitsio:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of oil until they are translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until it’s nicely browned.
- Add the tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan, add the flour, and stir constantly for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add the nutmeg, feta cheese, and beaten eggs. Mix well.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- Assemble the Pastitsio: spread half of the pasta in the bottom of a baking dish, cover with the meat, then with the remaining pasta, and finally pour the béchamel sauce on top.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden.
How to Enjoy Pastitsio
Pastitsio is usually served hot, straight out of the oven. You can accompany it with a green salad for a complete and balanced meal. Feel free to add some grated cheese on top for even more indulgence. Bon appétit!
Conclusion
Pastitsio is a comforting and tasty dish that will delight all lovers of Greek cuisine. Don’t hesitate to try it at home; you won’t be disappointed!
If you’re looking for quality kitchen utensils to make this recipe and many others, feel free to visit our online store. You will find a wide selection of products for all your culinary needs. Click here to discover our store.
