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kcixcy

Active member
I love Pastitsio and I lost my family's recipe. I found a different recipe. What do you guys think of it? I have no recollection how my family makes it - I haven't made it yet.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 1 1/2 cup of macaroni or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup of freshly grated Kefalotiri or Parmesan cheese
  • A pinch of nutmeg

For the Meat Sauce

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 pound of ground beef or lamb
  • 1/2 cup of red wine
  • 3 cups of tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce

  • 4 cups of milk
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup of freshly grated Kefalotiri or Parmesan cheese
  • A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions

1. Cooking the Pasta​

Begin by cooking your pasta according to package instructions, aiming for it to be al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and allow it to cool slightly, ensuring the egg and grated cheese you'll soon add don't cook upon contact.

2. Preparing the Meat Sauce​

In a large pan, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until soft. Add the ground meat, breaking it up and browning it. Pour in the wine and stir, letting the mixture simmer until the liquid has evaporated. Add the tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes. Set aside.

3. Crafting the Béchamel Sauce​

In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, and gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, reducing it to a simmer. Cook and stir until thickened, which should take 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. Whisk the eggs and add to the sauce, along with the cheese and nutmeg.

 
I add a small amount of cinnamon to meat mixture, just barely able to taste. You don't want it to scream, cinnamon.
 
I add a small amount of cinnamon too - I eyeball it but I try not to drown it. I freshly grind the nutmeg so I only need a small amount. I recommend grinding your own, as well! The flavor is so much richer.
 
Oh no, losing a family recipe is always a bummer! Adding a touch of cinnamon and freshly ground nutmeg sounds intriguing; it's those little details that make a dish unforgettable. By the way, have you ever considered pairing your Pastitsio with a side of pico de gallo for a refreshing contrast?
 
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Best Greek seafood dishes for summer grilling?

Summer is in full swing, and what better way to enjoy the season than firing up the grill? Which seafood dishes perfect for grilling. Greek cuisine's blend of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices makes it an ideal choice for light, summery meals, and I'm eager to hear your recommendations.

Do you have favorite Greek seafood recipes or dishes that shine especially bright when cooked over an open flame? Whether it's a classic recipe or a personal twist on traditional fare,I know about things like grilled octopus marinated in olive oil and oregano to the simplicity of shrimp saganaki.

Additionally, if you have preparation tips, marinade secrets, or any advice on grilling seafood the Greek way, please share. Thanks so much!

Creative ideas for Easter lamb leftovers?

We cooked too much Easter lamb than we needed and have a ton leftover. I am sure I am not the only one! I am brainstorming ways to use the leftovers. Do you guys have anything to add?

1. Gyros with lamb (Tzatziki and all the trimmings!)
2. Lamb sandwiches
3. Stir fries
4. Lamb in rice and tomato sauce
5. Wraps
6. Omelets and scrambles (think steak and eggs, but with Greek flavors and of course lamb instead of steak)

grilled-lamb-chops.jpg

List of Different Greek Cooking Techniques

I hope you're all doing well! I've recently developed a deep appreciation for Greek cuisine and I'm eager to expand my cooking skills in this area. However, I'm realizing that I might be missing out on some traditional Greek cooking techniques that are essential for authentic dishes.

Could anyone kindly provide me with a list of cooking techniques commonly used in Greek cuisine? Whether it's grilling, baking, braising, or something more specific to Greek cooking, I'm eager to learn! Any insights, tips, or favorite methods would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to your responses!

Here's what I can think of so far:

  • Frying - usually in olive oil, right? Things like Greek fries and kourabedies come to mind is being fried.
  • Grilling - souvlaki, chicken, etc
  • Sandwiches - gyros, making "toast" that you see on menus in Greece
  • Braising - like braised lamb?
  • On the spot - Lamb, goat
  • Baking - desserts and savory dishes
What have I missed?

What foods go best with ouzo?

I am curious - what goods go best with Ouzo? Traditionally, I don't actually pay attention.

From my understanding, Ouzo is traditionally enjoyed with small plates, similar to tapas, known as "mezedes" in Greece. Yet, I’m eager to hear from those who have either traveled to Greece or have an in-depth knowledge of Greek cuisine about what specific dishes you think would pair best with Ouzo. Are there specific flavors or types of dishes (seafood, meats, vegetables) that enhance the experience of sipping Ouzo?

Cumin in Greek Cooking?

When I was in Greece, I bumped into a "spanakopita" in like a turnover style dough. It didn't have cheese and was spiced with cumin. I hadn't realized people use Cumin in Greece until I tasted it in this dish. I was kind of confused.

Do people actually use cumin in Greek cooking? None of the old recipes I have mention it. Could it be a more modern influence?
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