POPSUGAR UK

04/02/2018 - 10:00 AM

Pastitsio

From 101 One-Dish Dinners: Hearty Recipes for the Dutch Oven, Skillet & Casserole Pan [1] by Andrea Chesman

Notes

Pastitsio, sometimes called Greek macaroni and cheese, is perfect for family gatherings and holiday meals. It is easily made ahead and can be reheated before serving. Like lasagna, pastitsio is a layered casserole that holds its shape and can be served in squares.

Greek Mac and Cheese With Meat

Ingredients

  1. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    2 onions, finely chopped
    2 pounds ground lamb or beef
    1 230-grams can unseasoned tomato sauce
    1 170-gram can tomato paste
    240 ml water
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    Salt and freshly ground black pepper
    Pinch sugar, or to taste
    450 grams tube-shaped pasta, such as penne
    3 tablespoons butter
    30 grams unbleached all-purpose flour
    840 ml milk
    3 eggs, beaten
    Freshly grated nutmeg
    150 grams freshly grated parmesan

Directions

  1. Begin heating a large pot of salted water for the pasta.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions in the oil until limp, about 3 minutes. Add the lamb and sauté until browned, 8-10 minutes, crumbling the meat as it cooks.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, cinnamon, and oregano. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a little sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer.
  4. Cook the pasta in the boiling water until just al dente. Drain.
  5. To make the white sauce, melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Stir in the flour to make a smooth paste. Cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the milk, a little at a time, until all the milk has been added and the sauce is smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thick and smooth.
  6. Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the hot white sauce, 1 tablespoon at a time, to warm the eggs. Stir the warmed egg mixture into the white sauce and remove from the heat. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a grating of fresh nutmeg.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Lightly oil a 9- by 13-inch baking pan.
  8. To assemble the casserole, layer half the pasta in the baking pan. Top with half the sauce, then half the parmesan. Layer the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese on top. Pour the white sauce over all.
  9. Bake, uncovered, for about 40 minutes, or until hot and lightly browned.
  10. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Excerpted from 101 One-Dish Dinners © 2016 by Andrea Chesman. Photography by © Johnny Autry. Used with permission from Storey Publishing.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/food/Greek-Mac-Cheese-Meat-44068746