Best Greek Pasta Torte Recipes

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PASTITSIO (GREEK PASTA BAKE)



Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Bake) image

Recipe video above. Greece's answer to Italian Lasagna! This traditional Greek dish is made with layers of pasta topped with a rich meat sauce perfumed with a hint of cinnamon and clove, topped with a thick layer of cheese sauce.For the neat layers pictured, arrange the pasta so they're all going in one direction, and rest the baked Pastitsio for 15 minutes before slicing. Excellent for making ahead (keeps for 4 to 5 days in the fridge) and freezes very well!

Provided by Nagi

Categories     Main

Number Of Ingredients 26

2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves (, finely minced)
2 red onions (, finely chopped (sub yellow or brown onions))
1 kg / 2 lb beef mince (ground beef)
3/4 cup red wine (, dry (Note 1))
800g / 28 oz canned crushed tomato
2 beef bouillon cubes (, crumbled (stock cubes))
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp white sugar
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 cinnamon stick ((or extra 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder))
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
100g / 7 tbsp butter (, unsalted)
3/4 cup flour (, plain/all purpose)
1 litre / 4 cups milk (, whole/full fat best but low fat ok)
1/8 tsp nutmeg (, preferably freshly grated)
1/2 tsp salt
100g / 3 oz Kefalotyri Greek cheese (sub Parmesan or Romano) (, finely shredded (Note 2))
2 egg yolks ((egg whites are used in the pasta))
400g / 14 oz Pastitsio No. 2 pasta / Greek bucatini ((sub small ziti, penne or normal bucatini, Note 3))
120g / 4 oz feta (, crumbled)
2 egg whites ((yolks used in Béchamel))
75g / 3 oz Kefalotyri Greek cheese (sub parmesan or Romano) (, finely grated (Note 2))

Steps:

  • Heat in a large pot over high heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 2 - 3 minutes until onion is softened. Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it changes from red to brown.
  • Add wine and and cook until the wine has mostly evaporated - about 3 minutes.
  • Add remaining Meat Sauce ingredients. Stir well, bring to simmer, then reduce heat to medium / medium low so it's simmering gently. Cook for 45 min to 1 hour until liquid is mostly gone, stirring every now and then. It should be a thick mixture with little liquid, not saucy like Spaghetti Bolognese (Note 4).
  • Remove from stove and cool. Preferably to room temperature, otherwise for at least 30 minutes before assembling (lid off).
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
  • While stirring, slowly pour half the milk in. It should turn into a wet paste. Then again, while stirring, pour in remaining milk - the paste should easily dissolve so it's lump-free. If not, just whisk vigorously.
  • Cook, stirring so the base doesn't catch, for 5 minutes or until thick enough so it coats the back of a wooden spoon thickly and you can draw a path across it with your finger.
  • Remove from stove. Stir in nutmeg, cheese and salt.
  • Leave to cool for 5 minutes. Then whisk in egg yolks quickly. Place lid on and set aside. If sauce cools and gets too thick to pour, just reheat on a low stove until pourable.
  • When you're ready to assemble, cook the pasta per packet instructions, minus 1 minute.
  • Drain, then return to the pot. Leave to cool for 3 minutes, then stir through egg whites. Gently stir through crumbled feta.
  • Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types).
  • Place pasta in a baking dish (33 x 22 x 7 cm / 9 x 13 x 2.75"), arranging them so they are all going in the same direction as best you can (for visual effect when sliced). Make the surface as level as you can.
  • Top with Meat Sauce, then smooth the surface.
  • Pour over Béchamel Sauce, then sprinkle over the cheese.
  • Bake 30 min or until crust turns golden.
  • Cool for at least 10 minutes so you can cut neat slices with tdhe layers neatly visible. Serve!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 597 kcal, Carbohydrate 48 g, Protein 35 g, Fat 28 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 137 mg, Sodium 1062 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

GREEK PASTA BAKE



Greek Pasta Bake image

My mom taught me to cook, and I love creating new recipes. I developed this casserole on a cold and snowy afternoon many years ago. Tangy lemon and herbs are complemented by the subtle sweetness of cinnamon. -Carol Stevens, Basye, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground lamb
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups uncooked rigatoni or large tube pasta
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef and lamb over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper and thyme. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. , Stir in sugar and cinnamon. Simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes longer., Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions; drain. Stir into meat mixture. , Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Cover and bake at 325° for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 325°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316 calories, Fat 12g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 840mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 22g protein.

CONTEST-WINNING GREEK PASTA BAKE



Contest-Winning Greek Pasta Bake image

I've taken this hot dish to potlucks and it's received rave reviews. There's never a morsel left. Best of all, it's a simple, healthy and hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. -Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3-1/3 cups uncooked whole grain spiral or penne pasta
4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Optional: Chopped fresh oregano or fresh basil

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, tomato sauce, tomatoes, spinach, olives, onion, green pepper, basil and oregano. , Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake, uncovered, at 400° until heated through and cheese is melted. If desired, sprinkle with oregano or basil. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 400°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 398 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 67mg cholesterol, Sodium 832mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SPAGHETTI TORTE



Spaghetti Torte image

This baked spaghetti dish is made in a springform pan. When the sides of the pan are removed, you have an impressive, spaghetti 'cake.' It can be served as is, or with a tomato sauce.

Provided by KDCG

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound uncooked spaghetti
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
4 egg whites
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 tomatoes, chopped
4 slices provolone cheese, cut into fourths

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x3 inch springform pan with cooking spray.
  • Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Rinse with cold water, and drain.
  • While spaghetti is cooking, combine Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and egg whites in a large bowl. Toss with cooked spaghetti to coat.
  • Press half the spaghetti mixture in bottom of prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the basil, and top with half the tomatoes and half the provolone cheese. Press remaining spaghetti mixture into pan, sprinkle with remaining basil, and top with remaining tomatoes. Place remaining provolone cheese over the top.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. Let stand about 15 minutes, remove sides of pan, transfer to a serving platter. Cut into wedges to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 396.6 calories, Carbohydrate 59.5 g, Cholesterol 18.9 mg, Fat 8.3 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 20.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 311.2 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

TORTA DI PASTA



Torta di Pasta image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h8m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces spaghetti
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
4 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
3/4 cup grated fontina
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain. Toss with the sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside to cool completely otherwise the hot pasta could curdle the eggs when you add them later on.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, salt, and pepper, Parmesan, and fontina to blend. Add the cooled spaghetti mixture; toss to coat.
  • Preheat the broiler. Melt the butter and oil in a 9 1/2-inch-diameter nonstick skillet over medium heat. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the skillet, pressing to form an even layer. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the broiler. Broil until the top is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Cool in the skillet to room temperature.
  • Invert the torta onto a platter. Cut into wedges and serve at room temperature.

GREEK PASTA



Greek Pasta image

Flavorful Greek style pasta with garlic, feta cheese, mushrooms and black olives.

Provided by Mary

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound linguine pasta
3 tomatoes
⅓ cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Plunge whole tomatoes in water briefly, until skin starts to peel. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in cold water. Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • While pasta is cooking peel blanched tomatoes and chop.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Stir in garlic and mushrooms and saute until mushrooms begin to give up their juices. Stir in tomatoes and oregano and cook until tomatoes are tender.
  • To serve, plate pasta, top with hot tomato sauce and sprinkle with feta and olives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 759.1 calories, Carbohydrate 102.4 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fat 31 g, Fiber 7.3 g, Protein 23.3 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 866.4 mg, Sugar 6.4 g

GREEK PASTA TOSS



Greek Pasta Toss image

My husband and I developed this bright pasta dish by tossing in favorite Greek ingredients like olives, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Try it with shrimp or chicken, too! -Terri Gilson, Calgary, AB

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups uncooked whole wheat spiral pasta (about 7 ounces)
3/4 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 5 cups)
1/2 cup pitted Greek olives, halved
1/3 cup julienned oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Lemon wedges, optional

Steps:

  • In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and return to pot. , Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and coarsely crumble sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Add to pasta., Stir in spinach, olives and tomatoes; heat through, allowing spinach to wilt slightly. Stir in cheese. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 335 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 742mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

GREEK PANTESPANI TOURTA (TORTE)



Greek Pantespani Tourta (Torte) image

Make and share this Greek Pantespani Tourta (Torte) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by mikamouse

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h10m

Yield 1 cake, 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 tablespoon hershey's cocoa
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 slice lemon
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
12 ounces Cool Whip
1 cup hershey's cocoa
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 tablespoon greek coffee

Steps:

  • - BASE: eggs, flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, HERSHEY'S COCOA.
  • Preheat oven at 350* F.
  • In a bowl mix sugar, eggs & vanilla for 10 minutes. Add flour & baking powder and mix by hand. Take a little of mixture & stir separately with COCOA. Add all ingredients to bowl.
  • Bake for 20 - 30 minutes.
  • Let cool. Cut in 2 layers. (Now it is ready for syrup & frosting).
  • - SYRUP: water, sugar, lemon.
  • Boil everything for 5 minutes. Pour over both cake layers evenly (slowly).
  • - FROSTING: powder sugar, butter, Cool Whip, Cocoa, egg, vanilla Greek coffee.
  • Beat butter, eggs & vanilla. Add all other ingredients a little at a time alternating. Stir in coffee by hand.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1021.5, Fat 40.7, SaturatedFat 25.6, Cholesterol 298.9, Sodium 231.3, Carbohydrate 155, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 129.6, Protein 12.4

GARLIC BREAD PASTA TORTE



Garlic Bread Pasta Torte image

My kids love to stuff spiral pasta inside bread for a clever dinner torte. We save the bread crusts to make garlicky croutons for salad. -Melissa Birdsong, Waleska, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
1 package (19-1/2 ounces) Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
6 tablespoons butter, cubed
6 garlic cloves, minced
20 slices white bread, crusts removed
Additional marinara sauce, warmed, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain and return to pot., In a large skillet, cook sausage, mushrooms, green pepper and onion over medium-high heat 7-9 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, breaking up sausage into crumbles; drain. Stir in sauce, basil and Italian seasoning. Add to pasta; stir in 2 cups cheese., In a microwave, melt butter; stir in garlic. Lightly brush one side of bread with garlic butter. Line bottom and sides of a greased 10-in. springform pan with bread slices, trimming to fit and facing buttered sides against pan. Fill with pasta mixture; press firmly to pack down. Sprinkle with remaining cheese., Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove rim. If desired, serve with additional marinara sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 409 calories, Fat 16g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 752mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

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