Pastitso
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Sometimes referred to as a Greek version of lasagna, it's probably as close a description that I can get. It consists of layers of macaroni, Parmesan cheese and a spicy meat filling, with a rich cream sauce.
INGREDIENTS
MEAT LAYER
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 pounds ground beef
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
3/4 cup water
2 teaspoons allspice
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 eggs, well beatenHeat the butter in a large frying pan. Sauté onions and garlic; add ground beef and sauté until all the pink is gone. Stir in the tomato paste that has been diluted with 3/4 cup water. Add the spices, and salt and pepper, to taste. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Uncover, and simmer for another 5 minutes to reduce the amount of liquid. Remove from heat. Refrigerate (to congeal the fat); then remove the fat. Mix in beaten eggs and set aside.
MACARONI LAYERS
1-1/2 pounds elbow macaroni
2 eggs, well beaten
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup butterPrepare macaroni according to package directions. DO NOT overcook! Drain well. Place half of the macaroni in a bowl.
Add the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly. Spread into a baking pan and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
Spread the meat mixture over the macaroni layer. Add the remainder of the macaroni and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Melt butter and pour over the Parmesan layer.
CREAM SAUCE LAYER
4 eggs, beaten to a froth
3 cups milk
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Kosher salt, to taste
Grating of fresh nutmegBlend milk into the beaten eggs; add the cheese, flour and salt to taste. Pour over the meat/macaroni layers. Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg.
Cover baking pan with aluminum foil and bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Remove foil and bak an additional 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let stand about 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Makes 10 servings
NOTE - This is wonderful served with a green salad. It also freezes well. To reheat, if frozen, let it thaw and then bake in a 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.