Pastitsio Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
• 2 x onions, finely minced
• 1 x 1/2-pounds lean grnd beef (681g)
• 2 clv garlic, minced
• 1/2 c. dry red wine (125 ml)
•     Several sprigs fresh thyme, stems removed
• 2 x bay leaves
• 1 tsp dry Greek oregano (5 ml)
• 1 x 28 ounce can plum tomatoes with juice, minced (798 ml)
• 1/2 tsp grnd cinnamon (2 ml)
• 1 pch grnd cloves
•     Coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
•     Pasta
• 1 lb rigatoni (454 g)
• 2 x Large eggs, lightly beaten
•     Bechamel
• 2/3 c. butter (150 ml)
• 2/3 c. + 2 tbsp. flour (180 ml)
• 5 c. homogenized or possibly 2 % lowfat milk (5.25 litres)
•     Coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 pch freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan (125 ml)
• 6 x Large eggs, lightly beaten
•     Assembly
•     Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing the baking dish

Directions