Pastitsio

Pastitsio

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 pound ground beef
1-1/4 c. beef stock
2 tsp. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. chopped fresh mint
Salt and Pepper
1/2 pound macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 C. milk
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1-1/2 C. grated kefalotiri cheese (6 oz.)

Preheat oven to 375F. In a skillet, heat oil. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft. Add beef and stir until browned. Stir in stock, tomato paste, cinnamon, mint, salt and pepper. Simmer 10 to 15 mins. or until sauce is reduced. Meanwhile, in a pan of boiling water, cook macaroni 8 minutes or until tender. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook 1 min. Gradually stir in milk and yogurt and simmer 5 mins. Stir in half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Mix macaroni into cheese sauce. Spread half the macaroni mixture over bottom of a large gratin or souffle dish. Cover with meat sauce, then top with remaining macaroni. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top. Bake 45 mins. or until browned.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Source: The Greek Book of Cooking, Lesley Mackley

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