Pastitsio

### Pastitsio – A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Pastitsio is a classic Greek recipe that combines pasta with minced meat and a creamy Bechamel sauce, resulting in a savory dish perfect for family meals. This simple and quick recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 6

### Ingredients

For the pasta:
- 400 g macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons grated cheese
- 3 eggs

For the filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 kg minced meat (beef or pork)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons dry wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of water

For the Bechamel sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 100 g flour
- 1 egg
- 300 ml milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste

### Instructions

1. Cooking the pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt. When the water reaches a boil, add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. After boiling, drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and 3 beaten eggs, mixing well to combine the ingredients. This step will enhance the flavor and texture of the pasta.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic cloves and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced meat and cook until browned evenly. Add the tomato paste and dry wine, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper, then add a cup of water. Let the filling simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the liquid reduces.

3. Preparing the Bechamel sauce:
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, add the flour, and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually incorporate the milk, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until thickened, then remove from heat and add a beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Assembling the pastitsio:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a baking dish, layer some of the macaroni, followed by the meat filling, and then the remaining pasta. Pour the Bechamel sauce evenly on top and sprinkle with grated cheese.

5. Baking:
Bake the pastitsio in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

### Helpful Tips:

- Vegetarian option: You can replace the minced meat with a mix of vegetables or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Additions: You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a more authentic Greek flavor.
- Serving: Pastitsio is delicious served warm but can also be enjoyed cold, making it ideal for picnics or lunches.

This pastitsio will bring a touch of Greek tradition to your kitchen and is sure to impress everyone who tastes it. Enjoy your meal!