Pasta bake with the flavours of Greek Pastichio …

Introduction

Greek cuisine is renowned for its harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors, and Pastichio is a testament to that. It’s a baked pasta dish layered with luscious béchamel sauce, aromatic ground meat, and pasta. Our Pasta Bake draws inspiration from this iconic dish, offering a fusion of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

For this delectable Pasta Bake, you’ll need:

• 12 ounces of penne pasta
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the béchamel sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Directions

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce:

1. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the beaten eggs. Set aside.

Assembling the Pasta Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce in a large bowl. Mix well.
4. Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta layer.
6. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and spread it evenly.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Baking the Pasta Bake:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
3. Let the Pasta Bake rest for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it – a Pasta Bake that pays homage to the classic Greek Pastichio. With its layers of rich flavors, aromatic spices, and creamy béchamel sauce, this dish is a true fusion of Mediterranean delight and comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply indulging in a flavorful dinner, this Pasta Bake will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of Greece. Bon appétit!

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