Pastitsio, Greek food

Pastitsio: A Greek Delicacy with a Homey Flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Pastitsio is a traditional Greek recipe, a delicious combination of pasta, meat, and béchamel sauce that will turn any meal into a feast. It is a hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. Let’s discover together how to prepare this Greek delight!

Ingredients:

For the meat:
- 500g ground beef or lamb (choose quality meat for a richer flavor)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 400g canned tomatoes (or 4 fresh peeled and chopped tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (the secret of Greek flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the pasta:
- 400g penne or macaroni pasta (choose quality pasta, it makes a difference)
- 1 tablespoon salt for boiling the pasta

For the béchamel sauce:
- 50g butter
- 50g flour
- 500ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 100g grated cheese (Parmesan or feta for a more Greek flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the meat filling. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until well browned, stirring occasionally. Let the juices from the meat evaporate to achieve a more concentrated texture.
3. Incorporate the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Add cinnamon, pepper, and salt. Let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will intensify the flavors.
4. Meanwhile, boil the pasta according to the package instructions, adding a tablespoon of salt to the water. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. In another saucepan, prepare the béchamel sauce. Melt the butter over low heat, add the flour, and whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and starts to boil. Turn off the heat and add the beaten eggs and grated cheese, mixing quickly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a baking dish, layer the pasta, followed by the meat filling, and finally cover with the béchamel sauce. If desired, sprinkle some grated cheese on top for a golden crust.
7. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until the top is golden and appetizing.

Serving suggestions and variations:

Pastitsio is served warm, alongside a fresh Greek salad to add a touch of freshness to the meal. If you want to experiment with flavors, you can add chopped black or green olives to the meat filling. You can also substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

This pastitsio recipe is not only a true feast for the taste buds but also an excellent way to bring a touch of Greece into your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and savor the rich flavors of this classic dish!