Vegan Greek Pastitsio

local_grocery_store Ingredients

• 1 lb. ziti or penne pasta, box (gluten-free if desired)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil, tablespoon
• 1 large onion, diced (approx. 200g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb. vegan ground beef, package
• 1 can diced tomatoes, can (14 oz.)
• 1 tsp. dried oregano, teaspoon
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, teaspoon
• 1/4 cup tomato paste, cup
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth, cup
• 1/2 cup cashews, cup (soaked in water for at least 4 hours)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, cup
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, cup
• 1 tsp. garlic powder, teaspoon
• 1 tsp. onion powder, teaspoon
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg, teaspoon
• Salt and pepper

restaurant_menu Method

1. 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. 2.Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.Add the vegan ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
5. 5.Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
6. 6.While the sauce is cooking, make the cashew béchamel. Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender along with the almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.To assemble the pastitsio, spread half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of a large baking dish. Spoon half of the tomato sauce over the pasta, then spread half of the cashew béchamel over the sauce. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and béchamel.
8. 8.Bake the pastitsio for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

lightbulb_outline Tips

• chevron_rightIf you don't have vegan ground beef, you can use lentils or crumbled tofu instead.
• chevron_rightLeftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.