Pastitsio - Greek-style Lasagna

Ingredients

• olive oil
• 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) ground meat (I'm using half pork and half beef)
• 1 large onion (minced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 400 grams (14 ounce) canned diced tomatoes (crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes)
• 2/3 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 2 bay leaves
• coarse sea salt
• ground pepper
• Optional: 2/3 teaspoon sugar
• 120 grams (8 tablespoons) butter
• 120 grams (1 cup) flour
• 1400 ml milk (lukewarm)
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 170 grams grams (6 ounces) Greek Kefalotyri cheese (or Parmesan, Pecorino, or Romano cheese)
• 1/3 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) Pastitsio Pasta No.2 (or Bucatini)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Make the Ground Meat Sauce: ---

2. 2

   Heat a splash of olive oil in a cooking pot over high heat.

3. 3

   Saute onion until softened. Then add the garlic.

4. 4

   Add the ground meat. Season with coarse sea salt and ground pepper.

5. 5

   Break up the meat using a wooden spoon, until browned and drained from its juices.

6. 6

   Stir in the tomato paste, ground cloves, allspice, and cinnamon stick. Cook for a minute.

7. 7

   Add the diced tomatoes and the bay leaves. Pour in 4 cups of hot water.

8. 8

   Simmer covered for about an hour over medium-low heat. Towards the end uncover the pot and allow the sauce to thicken. Meanwhile, make the cream.

9. 9

   --- Make The Bechamel Cream: ---

10. 10

    Melt butter in a saucepan over moderate heat.

11. 11

    Add the flour. Cook until it looks sandy for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

12. 12

    Pour in the milk and add the nutmeg. Cook stirring often until the cream thickens. Scrape the sides and walls of the cooking pot where flour tends to stick.

13. 13

    Set aside for 10 minutes to cool.

14. 14

    Whisk in the eggs and ⅔ of the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

15. 15

    --- For The Pasta: ---

16. 16

    Boil pasta al dente following package instructions.

17. 17

    --- Put Together: ---

18. 18

    Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.

19. 19

    I used a 14 x 11 x 3-inch (36 x 28 x 7) pan. You can use a slightly bigger but not smaller pan.

20. 20

    Save ¼ of the cooked pasta and spread the remaining in the pan. Try to arrange it to face toward one direction as much as possible (for visual purposes).

21. 21

    Spread the ground meat sauce on top. Then add the ¼ of the pasta you saved.

22. 22

    Ladle the cream and spread it evenly with a spoon.

23. 23

    Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ of the grated cheese all over on top.

24. 24

    Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until honey-colored on top on the lowest rack of the oven.

25. 25

    Allow to cool and set for at least 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature.

26. 26

    Cut, serve, and enjoy!