Pastitsio

Pastitio, a dish that combines tradition and flavor, is actually a delicious variant of lasagna, but with its unique specifics. This recipe will provide you with an unforgettable culinary experience, filled with layers of flavor and textures. Although it may seem like a laborious process due to the cooking time and dirty dishes, the final result will be worth every effort.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients needed

I part – Meat sauce
- 500g minced beef or chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 glass of white wine (preferably dry)
- 400g canned tomatoes (2 cans)
- Salt, pepper, cinnamon, and other preferred spices (like oregano or basil)

II part – Pasta
- 250g thick macaroni (like ziti or penne)
- 50g grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon of butter

III part – Bechamel sauce
- 750ml milk
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Grated nutmeg (to taste)

Preparing Pastitio

Step 1: Preparing the meat sauce
In a large skillet, heat a little oil and add the onion. Sauté over medium heat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced meat and stir constantly. Cook until the meat loses its pink color, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the white wine and let it boil for 5 minutes to evaporate the alcohol and intensify the flavors.

Incorporate the canned tomatoes, along with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and preferred spices. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes. This time will allow the flavors to develop and combine. At the end, you can add a beaten egg to thicken the sauce and give it a richer texture.

Step 2: Preparing the pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the macaroni, but do not cook them completely; drain them when they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. After draining, add the butter and grated Parmesan, mixing well to combine.

Step 3: Preparing the bechamel sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. In a bowl, mix the flour with cold milk until there are no lumps. Add the milk and flour mixture to the melted butter, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook the sauce over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens, about 10 minutes. Finally, add grated nutmeg for extra flavor.

Assembling Pastitio
In a baking dish lined with breadcrumbs to prevent sticking, place a layer of pasta on the bottom. Add half of the bechamel sauce, followed by the meat sauce. Stir the pasta a little with the meat sauce to infuse it with flavor. Add the remaining pasta and pour the rest of the bechamel sauce on top.

Baking
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the Pastitio for 30 minutes or until the surface is golden and beautiful. The aroma will be irresistible, and the whole house will be filled with delicious scents.

Serving
Let the Pastitio cool for a few minutes before cutting it into portions. It is delicious served alongside a fresh green salad and a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Tips and useful advice
- If you want to add a personal touch, experiment with various cheeses in the bechamel sauce, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
- If using chicken, choose boneless chicken cut into cubes for a more pleasant texture.
- You can prepare Pastitio a day in advance and store it in the fridge; when you are ready to serve, just put it in the oven.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent option to add fiber and extra nutrients.

2. What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the oven, covering the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the food from drying out.

3. Can I freeze Pastitio?
Yes, Pastitio can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely, then it is recommended to portion it before freezing.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe offers a good balance of protein from meat, carbohydrates from pasta, and healthy fats from the bechamel sauce, making it a filling option. The calories vary depending on the ingredients used, but a serving of Pastitio has approximately 600-700 calories.

Conclusion
Making Pastitio may seem like a challenge, but each step will bring you closer to getting a delicious dish that will impress family and friends. With a perfect combination of flavors and textures, this recipe quickly becomes a favorite in any household. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or as a comforting family dinner, Pastitio will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Bon appétit!