Pastitsio

FREE RECIPE PREVIEW

Ingredients — preview

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups onion chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
• 1 pound crushed tomatoes canned
• a/n coarse salt

Preparation — preview

1. For the sauce, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot.
2. Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes.
3. Add the beef and lamb, and saute over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until it's no longer pink, crumbling it with the back of wooden spoon.
4. Drain off any excess liquid, add the wine, and cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Add the garlic, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, and cayenne, and continue cooking over medium heat for 5 minutes.
6. Add the tomatoes, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside.
7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
8. Heat the milk and cream together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until simmering.
9. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 2 minutes.
10. Pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the butter and flour mixture, whisking constantly.