A Greek Favorite: Pastitsio

This is one of my Favorite Greek Dishes. PLEASE do not be scared off by the nutmeg. This dish is Fantastic. The last time we made this dish we tried using venison instead of beef, great choice!

Ingredients

1/2 pound dry ziti or macaroni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 dash ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
1-1/2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 large onion, chopped
1/2 clove garlic, crushed

1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups milk
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 egg, lightly beaten
salt and pepper to taste

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 

cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and return to pan.Melt butter until golden brown and pour over pasta add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, pepper and toss well; allow to cool. Add eggs and toss again; set aside. 

To make meat sauce: Saute onion and garlic with butter until onion is Translucent. Increase heat and add ground beef; stir well. Cook until meat begins to brown. Add tomato paste, wine, broth, parsley, salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat, covered, for 20 minutes. 

To make cream sauce: Over medium heat, melt butter in saucepan, slowly stir in flour and cook gently for 2 minutes. Pour in milk and bring to a boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add nutmeg, salt, pepper and cool slightly before slowly adding beaten egg. Transfer 1/3 cup of this sauce to the meat sauce. 

To assemble: Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the prepared ziti evenly in the bottom and top with meat sauce. Top that with remaining ziti. Pour on cream sauce and spread to completely cover ziti. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. 

Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. Let stand 10 -15 minutes before serving. 

SERVES 4