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Pastitso is another great casserole dish. I’ve often heard it referred to as the Greek version of lasagna, but after having tried it, I think people call it that because that is about as close a description as they can get. Pastitso is actually a dish consisting of layers of elbow macaroni, parmesan cheese and a spicy meat filling all held together with a rich cream sauce. Pastitso takes its name from the Italian word “pasticcio”, meaning hodgepodge; I guess this is in reference to the muddle of ingredients the dish contains. Whatever the meaning, Pastitso is a perfect casserole dish for a family meal or casual dinner party. I have significantly reduced the amount of cholesterol normally found in this fabulous Greek dish, by replacing the eggs with an egg substitute.

8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni

1/2 cup cholesterol free egg substitute (you can find these cartons in ALL supermarkets, usually right near the eggs)

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 pound lean ground lamb, beef or turkey (lamb is the traditional meat used)

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1 (8 ounce) can ‘no salt added’ tomato sauce

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons unsalted butter or margarine

3 tablespoons all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups skim milk

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook the pasta according to the package directions (omitting the salt called for). Drain and transfer to a medium bowl; stir in the egg substitute and nutmeg.

Lightly spray the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and spread the pasta mixture over the bottom of the dish. set aside

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cook the lamb, onion and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until lamb is no longer pink. stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, pepper and cinnamon. Reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, then spread over pasta in dish.

melt the butter or margarine in the skillet. Add the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, still stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes). Spread over meat mixture in the dish; sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and bake for 35 minutes.

Makes 4 servings. Per serving: 280 calories, 5 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 33 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 0 g added sugar, 21 g protein, 266 mg sodium, 28 mg cholesterol