Pastitsio: A Greek Culinary Masterpiece
Preparation Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
Indulge in the rich and flavorful world of Greek cuisine with this exquisite Pastitsio recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Pastitsio, a classic baked pasta dish, combines layers of macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety béchamel sauce to create a symphony of taste that will transport you to the heart of Greece. With a perfect balance of spices and textures, this dish is a true celebration of European flavors, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 8 tablespoons flour
- Salt, to taste
- 4 cups milk
- White pepper, to taste
- 4 – 6 cups macaroni
- 8 tablespoons butter (for crema)
- Salt (for crema)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for meat mixture)
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (for baking dish)
- 1 1/2 cups cheese (reserved for sprinkling)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (reserved for sprinkling)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 604.4
- Fat: 34.6g
- Saturated Fat: 17.9g
- Cholesterol: 196mg
- Sodium: 330.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 41.3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2.7g
- Protein: 27g
Aggregated Rating: 4.5 stars (based on 3 reviews)
Recipe Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, setting the stage for the culinary magic about to unfold.
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Sauté Onions and Brown Meat: In a large skillet, melt 1 ounce of butter and sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and transparent. Add the ground beef, cooking it until perfectly browned.
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Prepare Meat Mixture: Mix the tomato paste with red wine and add it to the meat. Continue cooking, introducing nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Allow it to simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat, cool, and then mix in half of the breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Ensure the meat stays well-separated.
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Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni in boiling water with a touch of oil until it reaches a delightful softness. Drain and set it aside.
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Create Crema: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter, add flour, and cook briefly while stirring constantly. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until it starts to boil and thickens slightly. Season with white pepper.
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Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually add about 1 cup of the hot sauce to the eggs, stirring constantly. Incorporate the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of cheese.
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Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish, similar to a lasagna pan, and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs. Begin layering by spreading half of the cooked pasta over the bottom and sprinkling it with 1/4 cup of reserved cheese. Next, spread all of the prepared meat mixture over the pasta.
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Pour and Spread: Pour half of the prepared sauce over the meat layer and cover it with the remaining pasta. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheese over the pasta, and then pour the rest of the sauce on top. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
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Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The result should be a golden-brown masterpiece with enticing aromas wafting through your kitchen.
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Allow to Rest: Once out of the oven, let the Pastitsio stand for 10 minutes before cutting it into squares. This allows the flavors to meld, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Conclusion:
With its delectable layers and harmonious flavors, this Pastitsio recipe is a culinary journey to the heart of Greek cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this Greek masterpiece is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you with a sense of culinary accomplishment. Embrace the Mediterranean spirit and savor the richness of Pastitsio – a timeless classic that brings the warmth of Greece to your dining table.
