Recipe

Perfect Pastitsio (vegetarian) Recipe

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Ingredients

1/4 c water .
2 (14 oz) packages vegetarian ground beef .
1 lb ziti pasta or elbow macaroni .
1 tbsp olive oil .
1/2 c tomato sauce, canned .
5 c milk .
Meat Substitute Mixture .
1 c freshly grated kefalotiri or parmesan cheese (separated) .
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste .
5 tbsps cornstarch .
Pasta or Cheese mixture .
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon .
3 large eggs .
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg or allspice .
1 large onion, minced .
1/2 c dry red wine

Directions

Step #1 Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
Step #2 In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step #3 Add onion & cook, until golden brown, stirring, about 7 mins.
Step #4 Add beef substitute, chopping into small bits.
Step #5 Cook until browned, about 5 mins.
Step #6 Add tomato sauce, red wine & spice, stirring to mix.
Step #7 Simmer, uncovered, until the excess moisture has evaporated, about 7 mins.
Step #8 Spice up with salt & pepper & set aside.
Step #9 Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions, drain & set aside.
Step #10 In large saucepan, bring milk to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium.
Step #11 Dissolve the cornstarch in water, then add to milk in a thin stream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Step #12 Cook, whisking, until mixture has returned to a boil & is thickened, 2-3 mins.
Step #13 Remove pan from heat & stir in the 3/4 c of the cheese.
Step #14 In separate bowl, beat eggs until light & very frothy.
Step #15 Add to cheese sauce in a thin stream, whisking constantly.
Step #16 Add salt & pepper to taste & mix with cooked pasta In a large-ish bowl.
Step #17 Lightly oil an 11x15x2 inch casserole dish.
Step #18 Spoon in half the pasta/cheese mixture.
Step #19 Top with meat substitute mixture, then with remaining pasta/cheese mixture.
Step #20 Sprinkle top with remaining 1/4 c cheese.
Step #21 Bake until casserole is golden brown & bubbling, about 40 mins.
Step #22 Let cool for a few mins before slicing & serving.
Enjoy the Perfect Pastitsio (Vegetarian) recipe