Pastitsio (Baked Pasta)

Pastitsio is a traditional Greek dish. Its basic ingredients are pasta and minced meat. It is cooked in the oven and served as a main dish. Pastitsio is made up of various layers of ingredients. There are many different ways to make Pastitsio but the main recipe includes thick pasta, beef, lamb or pork minced meat, tomato and béchamel sauce. Grated cheese is then sprinkled on top. In Cyprus, cinnamon is usually added in the minced meat and the cheese that is used is halloumi.Pastitsio is served during celebrations such as weddings, christenings and religious celebrations like Christmas, Easter etc.

The ingredients necessary for Pastitsio are thick pasta , salt , grated halloumi , dry mint , egg white , minced meat , chopped onion , olive oil , salt , pepper , cinnamon , fresh tomatoes , parsley, butter , eggs , flour , nutmeg and milk.  

First fry the onions in the oil and prepare the minced meat. Add the tomatoes, the salt, pepper and cinnamon. Once the meat has soaked all the juice add the parsley. Once the béchamel is ready add two spoons and mix.

Boil the pasta in hot water with salt. Allow to be semi cooked place in cold water and then strain. Placed the pasta in a tray and add the egg white, a little halloumi and mint. Place the minced meat along with the rest of the pasta, a little halloumi and add the rest of the béchamel on top. Then sprinkle halloumi and cinnamon on top.

Cook the pastitsio in the oven at 180 degrees for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the pasta is golden brown.