Pastitsio (pasta bake)

pastitsio_(pasta_bake)

Greek Pastitsio (pronounced pas-tee-tsio) is a well-known and well-loved dish in Greek cuisine. This traditional baked pasta dish consists of layers of penne pasta, spiced meat sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce. The dish is then baked in the oven until it’s golden brown and bubbly.

The origins of pastitsio can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was believed that the dish was served to athletes before the Olympic games to give them strength and energy. However, the modern version of pastitsio that we know and love has evolved over time and has been influenced by several other cuisines, including Turkish, Italian, and French.

Pastitsio is a homely and comforting dish that is perfect for feeding large groups of people at family gatherings or special occasions. The preparation time is quite long, but the effort is well worth it in the end.

To start, you will need to cook pasta and then layer it on the bottom of a baking dish. Next, a rich spiced meat sauce is made by browning ground beef and adding fragrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. A splash of red wine and tomato sauce is added to the mixture, which is then simmered until thick and fragrant.

Once the meat sauce is ready, it is poured over the pasta layer in the baking dish. A creamy and smooth béchamel sauce is then made using butter, flour, and warm milk, which is then poured over the top of the meat sauce. The dish is then sprinkled with a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese and baked in the oven until it’s perfectly golden brown and bubbling.

When serving, it’s best to let the pastitsio cool and set for a few minutes before slicing into it, as this will help the dish retain its shape and prevent it from falling apart. Pastitsio can be served on its own, or it can be accompanied by a fresh Greek salad and some crusty bread.

In Greece, pastitsio is typically enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations, such as Easter or Christmas. However, the dish has become so popular that it is now enjoyed year-round in households all over the world.

In summary, pastitsio is a classic Greek dish that is a real crowd-pleaser. Its layers of pasta, spiced meat sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce make for a comforting and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. So, why not whip up a batch of pastitsio for your next family gathering or special occasion? Your guests are sure to thank you for it!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. penne pasta
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

For the Bechamel Sauce:

  • 6 tbsp. butter
  • 6 tbsp. flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  2. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.

  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef and onion until beef is no longer pink; drain fat. Add garlic, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; cook for two minutes.

  4. Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the beef mixture; transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  5. In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and Greek yogurt; pour over pasta mixture.

  6. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.

  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

  8. Meanwhile, prepare the bechamel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour; cook for two minutes. Gradually whisk in milk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for five minutes or until thickened. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

  9. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in eggs, then Parmesan cheese.

  10. Pour bechamel sauce over pasta mixture.

  11. Return to oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

  12. Let cool for ten minutes before serving. Enjoy!