Lamb Pastitsio With Butternut Squash and Bèchamel Sauce

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 0
Lamb and Butternut Squash Pastitsio recipe for a comforting dinner
in Main

Prep

20 min

Cook

1 hr 30 min

Ready In

1 hr 50 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash ( I substituted a 'Delicata ' squash from our CSA box )
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion , diced
12 ounces free range ground lamb
12 ounces free range ground beef
3/4 cup dry white wine ( use broth or stock for non-alcoholic version )
1/4 cup fresh parsley , chopped
14 ounces fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
salt , to taste
fresh ground pepper , to taste
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
1 lb dry pasta ( I used 3/4-inch ditalini . Read recipe intro^^ )
6 tablespoons butter
2 eggs , beaten
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese , grated ( read recipe intro^^ )
dried greek oregano
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup unbleached flour
3 cups milk
3 eggs , beaten
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
white pepper , to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons salt ( I used half that amount if not less )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
624
Sugar
4g
Fat
33g
The lamb and butternut squash pastitsio is a traditional Greek dish that combines layers of pasta, seasoned ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. The addition of butternut squash adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the dish, while the cinnamon and allspice give it a warm and spicy kick. The dish is often served at special occasions and family gatherings, and is considered to be a comfort food staple in Greek cuisine.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2.Cut the butternut squash into small cubes.
3.In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions until they start to soften.
4.Add the ground lamb and beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
5.Pour in the white wine (or broth/stock), parsley, crushed tomatoes, ground cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has reduced slightly.
6.Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
7.Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss the breadcrumbs, butter, eggs, and parmesan cheese into the pot with the pasta, mix well to combine.
8.In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
9.Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the sauce to a boil. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
10.In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add a ladleful of the béchamel sauce to the eggs, whisking constantly.
11.Add the egg mixture to the béchamel sauce and whisk to combine.
12.Stir in the nutmeg, white pepper, and salt.
13.To assemble the pastitsio, spoon half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
14.Spread the cubed butternut squash evenly over the pasta, followed by half of the lamb mixture.
15.Add the remaining pasta on top followed by the rest of the lamb mixture.
16.Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top of the lamb mixture.
17.Sprinkle the top with a pinch of dried Greek oregano.
18.Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

PROS

The lamb and butternut squash pastitsio is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for a cozy night in.

The dish is packed with protein and healthy vegetables, making it a satisfying and nutritious dinner option.

CONS

The dish can be time-consuming to prepare with several steps involved.

The pastitsio is relatively high in fat due to the butter and cheese used in the recipe.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The lamb and butternut squash pastitsio is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
The butternut squash provides a good source of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and maintain healthy skin.
The cinnamon in the recipe has been shown to help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation in the body.

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