Posted by: Lisa UK 07-08-99 3:23 PM
Pasticcio (Baked Macaroni with Minced Meat Sauce)
2 lb macaroni
1 1/2 lb minced (ground) meat (usually lamb)
1 onion, finely chopped
Nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Salt to taste
1 tsp sugar
Pepper to taste
4 ripe tomatoes chopped or 1 small tin chopped tomatoes
4 oz butter
1 pint good white sauce with 1/2 tsp nutmeg added
4 eggs
4 oz grated cheese (use 1/2 Parmesan and 1/2 cheddar)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook macaroni as directed and reserve.
Put minced meat into a pan and cook slightly to get rid of any fat; drain fat off.
Add onion, a grate of nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, sugar and pepper.
Stir well and cook over a low heat for twenty minutes.
When slightly browned, add drained tomatoes and 2 tbs water.
Remove from heat and mix in two tbs of béchamel sauce.
Add cooked macaroni to pan and stir in rest of butter.
Have ready a well oiled ovenproof dish and line bottom with half macaroni.
Sprinkle with cheese then spread meat sauce over, then top with rest of macaroni.
Add a little more cheese, beat four eggs into rest of béchamel sauce, pour over macaroni and sprinkle with last of cheese.
Bake until brown and crispy on top.