Everyday recipes
Mince magic: Mini pastitsio
Serving size: Serves 6
Cuisine type: GreekCooking time: Less than 60 minutes
Course: Lunch,
MainFavourite flavours: Beef,
Cheese
.
INGREDIENTS
1 large eggplant, sliced thinly
Olive oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
500g beef mince
400g can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups cooked macaroni
½ cup grated tasty cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
White sauce:
90g butter
1/3 cup plain flour
2 cups milk
METHOD
- Preheat oven to moderate, 180°C. Grease six 1-cup ramekins.
- Arrange eggplant on trays, sprinkle with salt and stand for 15 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry. Preheat grill to high.
- Brush eggplant with oil. Place on an oven tray. Grill 4-5 minutes, turning once.
- Heat oil in a saucepan on high. Sautée onion 3-4 minutes until tender. Add mince. Cook 4-5 minutes, breaking up lumps with a spoon. Stir in tomatoes, paste, parsley and cinnamon. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened slightly. Season to taste.
- White sauce: Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan on high. Add flour, cook stirring for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Blend in milk until smooth. Return to heat and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce boils and thickens. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Season to taste.
- Place ½ eggplant in prepared dishes, top with macaroni, mince and remaining eggplant. Cover with sauce. Sprinkle with combined cheeses. Bake 15-20 minutes, until golden. Accompany with salad, if liked.
For more mince magic recipes, see this week's
Woman's Day (on sale February 23).
