Indulge in the flavors of Cyprus with this authentic Pastitsio recipe, a beloved classic of Cypriot cuisine. Layers of tender pasta, rich béchamel sauce, and seasoned ground meat come together in perfect harmony, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. Whether you're seeking a hearty family meal or looking to impress guests with a taste of Cyprus, this Pastitsio recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds with its irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Follow along and discover the secrets to mastering this iconic Cypriot dish in your own kitchen.

Here's a traditional recipe for Cyprus Pastitsio:

Ingredients:

For the meat sauce:

• 500g ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

For the pasta:

• 400g penne or ziti pasta
• Salt for boiling water
• Olive oil for tossing

For the béchamel sauce:

• 50g butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

3- To make the meat sauce, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.

4- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

5- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried mint, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

6- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat for the béchamel sauce. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

7- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

8- Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat and season with ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Allow it to cool slightly.

9- Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then gradually whisk them into the warm béchamel sauce until well combined.

10- To assemble the Pastitsio, spread half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of a greased baking dish. Top with the meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the pasta.

11- Add the remaining pasta on top of the meat sauce layer, then pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.

12- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the béchamel sauce.

13- Bake the Pastitsio in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

14- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

15- Enjoy your Cyprus Pastitsio hot, and savor the delicious layers of flavor!

Nutritional Value:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Cyprus Pastitsio recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredients used:

For the meat sauce:

500g ground beef or lamb:

• Calories: 1200 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 90g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:Excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins.

1 onion, finely chopped:

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and dietary fiber.

2 cloves garlic, minced:

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, high in antioxidants, and may help lower cholesterol levels.

1 can (400g) diced tomatoes:

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g

benefits: Packed with vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which may reduce the risk of certain diseases.

2 tablespoons tomato paste:

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits: Concentrated source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.

For the pasta:

400g penne or ziti pasta:

• Calories: 1440 kcal
• Protein: 48g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 288g

benefits: Good source of carbohydrates for energy, contains small amounts of protein and fiber.

For the béchamel sauce:

50g butter:

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:Contains healthy fats, vitamins A, D, E, and K, and is a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have various health benefits.

1/4 cup all-purpose flour:

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy, small amounts of protein, and trace minerals like iron and zinc.

2 cups milk:

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 24g

benefits:Excellent source of calcium, protein, vitamins D and B12, and other essential nutrients.

2 eggs:

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:Rich in high-quality protein, vitamins D and B12, and choline, which is important for brain health.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese:

• Calories: 216 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits: Good source of protein and calcium, adds flavor and richness to dishes.

Please note that these values are for the ingredients only and do not include any added salt, pepper, or olive oil used for cooking. Additionally, serving sizes may vary, so the actual nutritional content per serving will depend on the portion size.