Macarona Bechamel

 

Macarona Bechamel

A rich and comforting Egyptian-style pasta bake, Macarona Bechamel features layers of spiced meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400g minced meat (beef or lamb)
• 3 tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp jaggery (or brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or preferred spices)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt, to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp oregano
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Other Ingredients

• 400g pasta, cooked al dente (as per package instructions)
• Olive oil or butter (for greasing)

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Instructions

Preparing the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until caramelized.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and stir for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
4. In a blender, mix the tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, and jaggery. Pour this mixture into the pan.
5. Stir well and cook on high heat for a few minutes, then reduce the heat. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Season with salt and Cajun seasoning, then mix well.
7. Turn off the heat and stir in the finely chopped parsley.

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously.
2. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
3. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring continuously until it thickens.
4. Add salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix well, then stir in the grated mozzarella cheese. Turn off the heat.

Assembling & Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Grease an oven proof dish with butter.
2. Mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
3. In the greased dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, then spread a layer of béchamel sauce.
4. Repeat with another layer of pasta and finish with a final layer of béchamel sauce.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your rich and creamy Macarona Bechamel!