PASTITSIO

This is what we prepared in class today Pastitsio is Greek in orgin , it is cooked macaroni pasta layered with a cooked meat sauce , finishing with a final layer of cinnamon flavoured bechamel and grated cheese . We prapared the dish in 3 steps . Preheat your oven to 160 deg C . STEP 1 .THE MACARONI BASE . Combine 250 gm of cooked pasta , with 2 well beaten eggs and 3/4 cup ((60gm) of grated parmesan cheese in a large bowl . STEP 2 MEAT SAUCE .. Heat a pan over a medium heat that has been sprayed with cooking oil . Add 1 chopped peeled and medium onion , 1 tbs of minced garlic and 750 gm of minced beef . Stir until beef is browned , stir in 1 x 400gm can of undrained diced tomatoes , 90 gm of tomato paste , 3/4 cup of beef stock and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon . Simmer , then remove from heat , cool slightly and add 1 lightly beaten egg . Stir through to combine . Pour the meat sauce over the pasta base . STEP 3 ..BECHAMEL SAUCE Melt 90gm of butter / marg in a saucepan add 1/2 cup of plain flour (75gm ), add 3 and 1/2 cups of milk ( 875 ml )and 1 cup (of grated parmesan cheese ( 80 gm ) , stir until the mix thickens .... Cool for 5 minutes then stir in 2 well beaten egg yolks.... Pour cheese topping over the meat sauce and finally sprinkle with 2 tbs of breadcrumbs