Vegetarian Pastitsio: A Flavorful and Hearty Plant-Based Greek Dish

Pastitsio is a traditional Greek dish that typically consists of layers of pasta, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. This vegetarian version of pastitsio swaps the ground meat for sautéed vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying plant-based alternative.

Ingredients:

For the pasta layer: - 1 pound (450 grams) dried penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste For the vegetable layer: - 1 large onion, chopped - 2 carrots, peeled and chopped - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes - 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste For the béchamel sauce: - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 3 cups (720 ml) milk - 1/2 cup (60 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

To make the pasta layer: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. To make the vegetable layer: 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and bell pepper and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. 3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. To make the béchamel sauce: 1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. 2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. 3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. 4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. To assemble the pastitsio: 1. Spread a thin layer of the pasta in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. 2. Top with the vegetable layer. 3. Spread the béchamel sauce evenly over the vegetables. 4. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the pastitsio is heated through and the top is golden brown.

Tips:

- For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth. - If you don't have a 9x13 inch baking dish, you can use a different size dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly. - You can also add other vegetables to the pastitsio, such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. - Leftover pastitsio can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Vegetarian pastitsio is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to enjoy the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine without the use of meat.