MLA Australian Lamb Greek Pastitsio

Preparation

Method:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to packet directions until al dente and drain.

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan on medium to high heat. Add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, without coloring the garlic. Add the ground lamb, crushing any lumps with a spoon. Cook until lamb is browned.

Add the bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves and red wine. Reduce heat to a simmer, add tomatoes and stir through. Cook 25 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

Add the pasta to the pan and mix through the meat sauce.

To prepare the béchamel sauce, combine milk, cloves, bay leaf and peppercorns in a saucepan. Place on low to medium heat, making sure milk slowly comes to the boil infusing all the flavors. Remove from the heat immediately.

In another saucepan take butter and melt over a low heat. Once melted, add flour and stir together with a wooden spoon. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid browning.

Strain the infused milk and gradually add to butter and flour mix. Make sure to continually stir to eliminate all lumps. Stir until the sauce thickens, approximately 4-5 minutes. Stir in the cheese.

In an ovenproof rectangle dish, spread pasta and meat sauce evenly, pressing down to make it flat. Pour the prepared béchamel over the pasta and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.