Pastitsio

Pastitsio

from thembites.com
85 min

Pastitsio is a hearty and delicious three-layer Greek dish similar to lasagna and will be a showstopper at your next dinner.

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup flour
  • 1 quart whole milk (warmed)
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 3 oz Kefalotyri cheese (sub Parmesan or Romano)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 red onions (chopped)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup red wine
  • ½ cup water
  • ⅛ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb ziti
  • 2 egg whites
  • 3 oz Kasseri cheese, grated (can sub for Parmesan)

Directions

  1. 1

    Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant.

  2. 2

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour, and then slowly add in the warmed milk, whisking continuously. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring so it doesn't stick, until smooth and thick. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon.

  3. 3

    Cook the ziti 2 - 3 minutes less than the package instructions. (To ensure it won't get too soft when the dish is baked). Drain and rinse with cool water.

  4. 4

    Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray a deep 9x13 inch dish with nonstick spray.