Ingredients

1 lb lean turkey , ground
1 large onion , chopped
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup red wine or 1 cup stock
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 1/2 cups macaroni
1 1/4 cups skim milk
2 tablespoons sunflower margarine
3 tablespoons plain flour
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
2 tomatoes , sliced ( optional )
4 tablespoons wholemeal breadcrumbs ( optional )
salt and pepper , to taste
A healthy and low-fat variation of the traditional Greek pastitsio recipe, this version uses lean turkey instead of beef and low-fat milk instead of cream. It's a delicious and guilt-free option for people who want to watch their fat intake. The recipe is prepared by simmering ground turkey with onions, tomato paste, and wine, then layering it with whole-grain macaroni and a low-fat sauce. Sprinkled with breadcrumbs and topped with sliced tomatoes, the pastitsio is baked until golden brown and bubbly. It's a perfect entrée for a family dinner or a weekend get-together with friends.

Instructions

1.In a large skillet, brown the turkey and onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes until cooked.
2.Add in the tomato paste, wine or stock, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3.Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
5.In a separate saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. whisk in the flour then add skim milk and nutmeg. Cook the sauce stirring frequently until thickened.
6.Pour half of the macaroni on the casserole. Top with half of the meat mixture, then pour half of the sauce over the meat.
7.Repeat the layers one more time. Decorate the top layer with sliced tomatoes and sprinkle breadcrumbs over it.
8.Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until heated through.
9.Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

PROS

Low-fat, healthy, and easy to prepare.
The recipe uses lean turkey and skim milk instead of full-fat ingredients, making it a healthy alternative to traditional pastitsio.

CONS

The recipe calls for red wine, which can be substituted for stock for non-alcoholic versions.
The breadcrumbs are optional but add extra calories to the dish.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This recipe is a healthier version of the traditional pastitsio recipe, with low-fat and high-protein ingredients. Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, while cinnamon has been linked to reducing inflammation and improving blood sugar levels. This recipe also uses whole-grain macaroni, which provides more fiber than white pasta.

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