Perfect Pastitsio (Vegetarian)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 5
Perfect Pastitsio (Vegetarian) recipe for a hearty meal
in Main

Prep

15 min

Cook

55 min

Ready In

1 hr 10 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion , minced
2 packages vegetarian ground beef
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce , canned
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg or 1/8 teaspoon allspice
salt & freshly ground black pepper , to taste
1 lb ziti pasta or 1 lb elbow macaroni
5 cups milk
5 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 cup freshly grated kefalotiri ( separated ) or 1 cup parmesan cheese ( separated )
3 large eggs

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
610
Sugar
11g
Fat
25g
Pastitsio is a beloved Greek comfort food, resembling lasagna, it consists of a hearty meat sauce layered with pasta and a creamy béchamel sauce. This vegetarian take on the dish swaps the meat for vegetarian ground beef, still packed with flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg/allspice are added to the savory sauce to create a unique taste that is sure to satisfy. The creamy and cheesy top layer contrasts with the texture of the pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is perfect for vegetarian dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for hearty comfort food.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
3.Add vegetarian ground beef to skillet and cook until browned.
4.Stir in tomato sauce, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg/allspice, salt, and pepper.
5.Simmer mixture for 10-15 minutes, until thickened.
6.In a separate pan, whisk the milk with cornstarch over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
7.Remove from heat and whisk in half of the cheese and eggs.
8.In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with sauce mixture and remaining cheese.
9.Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish. Layer mixture in the dish and pour milk mixture on top.
10.Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

PROS

This vegetarian version of the Greek classic is hearty and flavorful.

The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg/allspice adds a unique flavor profile to the dish.

The recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few ingredients.

CONS

The dish is high in carbohydrates and calories, making it a heavy meal.

Some may find the vegetarian ground beef texture to be different than traditional beef.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish provides a good source of protein and calcium from the milk and cheese.
The cinnamon in the sauce has been shown to help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.

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