Pastitsio

Pastitsio (also spelled pastichio) is a Greek and Mediterranean baked pasta dish that includes ground meat and béchamel sauce. The word "pastitsio" comes from the Italian pasticcio, which is derived from the verb pasticciare, meaning "to mess up". The Italian dish pasticcio di pasta is similar but not identical to pastitsio.

Etymology

The term "pastitsio" has been in use since the 17th century and is derived from the Italian word "pasticcio", which means a large pie made of various ingredients. The word "pasticcio" itself comes from the Latin "pasticium", meaning "mixture", and is related to the verb "pasticciare", which means "to make a mess or a hodgepodge".

Ingredients and Preparation

Pastitsio is typically made with penne pasta, ground meat (usually lamb or beef), and a creamy béchamel sauce. The pasta is boiled and then mixed with the ground meat, which has been cooked with onions, garlic, and tomatoes. This mixture is then layered in a baking dish, topped with the béchamel sauce, and baked until golden brown.

Variations

There are many variations of pastitsio, both within Greece and in other Mediterranean countries. Some versions use different types of pasta, such as macaroni or rigatoni, while others include additional ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cheese. In Cyprus, pastitsio may also include halloumi cheese and mint.

Related Dishes

Pastitsio is similar to several other baked pasta dishes from around the Mediterranean. These include the Italian lasagna, the Turkish hünkar beğendi, and the Egyptian macaroni béchamel. All of these dishes feature layers of pasta and meat, often topped with a creamy sauce.

See Also

• Greek cuisine
• Mediterranean cuisine
• List of pasta dishes

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