Pastichio

Name: Pastichio
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Cuisine: greek, mediterranean
Ingredients: 3/4 pound lean ground lamb; 4 cloves garlic, smashed, peeled and minced; 1/4 pound ripe tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon thyme; Pinch cinnamon; 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt; Freshly ground pepper to taste; 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs; 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni (16 ounces dried); 5 eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 cup heavy cream; Pinch nutmeg; 2 ounces grated Gruyere; 4 ounces crumbled feta

By Barbara Kafka

Updated Oct. 11, 2023

Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Rating: 4(40)
Comments: Read comments

Featured in: MICROWAVE COOKING

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Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings

¾pound lean ground lamb
4cloves garlic, smashed, peeled and minced
¼pound ripe tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped
1tablespoon tomato paste
½teaspoon ground cumin
½teaspoon oregano
½teaspoon thyme
Pinch cinnamon
2teaspoons coarse kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
¾cup dry bread crumbs
3cups cooked elbow macaroni (16 ounces dried)
5eggs
1cup milk
1cup heavy cream
Pinch nutmeg
2ounces grated Gruyere
4ounces crumbled feta

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
Preheat broiler. Place rack 6 inches from heat source.
Step 2
In a 12-inch oval glass or ceramic casserole 2½ inches deep, combine lamb, garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered at 100 percent power for 5 minutes, stirring twice to break up meat. Remove from oven and stir in ½ cup bread crumbs.
Step 3
Spread macaroni on top of meat. Whisk together remaining ingredients, including 1 teaspoon salt, pepper and ¼ cup bread crumbs. Pour over macaroni. Poke handle of a wooden spoon through mixture to let liquid reach all parts of dish. Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook at 100 percent power for 5 minutes. Pierce plastic so steam can escape.
Step 4
Uncover. Stir macaroni layer. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Cook at 100 percent power for 5 minutes. Pierce plastic, uncover and cook 2 minutes longer.
Step 5
If desired, broil until top is browned. Allow to stand at room temperature 10 minutes before serving.