Pastitio

 Ingredients: 500 g thick macaroni (no. 2) 1 kg minced beef 1 finely chopped onion 1 small glass of white wine 1 can of tomatoes, or 4-5 chopped tomatoes or 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste 2 tablespoons of butter, or margarine 1 egg 1 packet of béchamel salt pepper olive oil, or any oil you want grated cheese (I use cheese) or breadcrumbs

To prepare a delicious dish with minced meat and macaroni, we will carefully follow the steps, transforming simple ingredients into a savory dish that will impress family and friends.

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced meat and sauté it, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. It is important to break it into small pieces so that it cooks evenly. As the meat browns, its aroma will be released, making you anticipate the final taste of the dish. Once the meat has changed color, add the finely chopped onion. The onion will add sweetness and an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Continue stirring until the onion becomes translucent and slightly soft.

Now, deglaze everything with white wine, allowing the mixture to simmer for about a minute. This step will intensify the flavors and provide a refined taste to the dish. After the wine has evaporated, add the chopped tomatoes or tomato paste, depending on your preferences. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated almost completely and the mixture becomes thicker. Once you have a consistent sauce, let it cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, lightly beat an egg. Once the meat sauce has cooled, incorporate it into the beaten egg, mixing well to achieve a homogeneous composition. At the same time, boil the macaroni in salted water, being careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. After they are cooked, drain them and immediately mix them with the butter to prevent sticking.

Meanwhile, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter, add the flour, and mix quickly to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and optionally a pinch of nutmeg.

To assemble the dish, grease a baking dish with a little margarine or oil. Place a layer of macaroni, followed by a generous layer of minced meat, and pour the béchamel sauce on top. Level everything evenly and sprinkle grated cheese or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the surface becomes golden and appetizing. Once you have a nicely browned crust, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. This step is essential to allow the dish to stabilize. After it has cooled, cut into portions and enjoy a dish that perfectly combines flavors and textures, ideal for a family meal or a special occasion.

 Tags:  eggs onion cheese meat tomatoes unt oil life cheese wine olives margarine