Pastitsada facts for kids
| Alternative names | Pastitsada Korfiatiki, Pastitsado |
|---|---|
| Region or state | Corfu |
| Associated national cuisine | Greece |
| Main ingredients | Spicy veal, beef or poultry and macaroni |
| Ingredients generally used | Olive oil, onions, garlic, salt, black pepper, white wine, vinegar, cloves, bay leaf, cinnamon, tomatoes, butter, kefalotyri or Parmesan |
Pastitsada (Greek: Παστιτσάδα) is a super tasty Greek dish! It's made with pasta and meat cooked in a rich, spicy tomato sauce. This yummy meal is especially famous on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu. People there often enjoy Pastitsada as a special Sunday dinner. Sometimes, you might hear it called pastitsada Korfiatiki, which just means "Pastitsada from Corfu."
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What is Pastitsada?
Pastitsada is a classic Greek meal that brings families together. It's known for its deep, rich flavors and tender meat. The dish is a great example of how different cultures can influence food. It shows some clear connections to Italian cooking.
The Main Ingredients
Pastitsada usually starts with veal, beef, or even poultry like chicken. The meat is cooked slowly until it's super tender. It simmers in a delicious sauce made with fresh or canned tomatoes.
Other important ingredients include olive oil, chopped onions, and garlic. For flavor, cooks add salt, black pepper, and a splash of white wine. A little vinegar also helps balance the taste.
Special Spices
What makes Pastitsada really special are the spices! It often includes cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon. These spices give the sauce a warm, unique flavor. Finally, a bit of butter is added for richness.
How It's Served
Pastitsada is always served over pasta. The most common type of pasta used is macaroni. Once it's on your plate, it's usually topped with grated cheese. Popular choices are kefalotyri, a hard Greek cheese, or Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, tangy finish to the dish.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The name "Pastitsada" comes from an old Venetian word, pastizzada. This word is related to the standard Italian word pasticciata. Both words mean something like "a big mix-up" or "a messy dish."
In the past, this name was used for many different Italian meat dishes. These dishes were cooked slowly and often served with things like polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta. So, the name tells us it's a hearty, mixed-up kind of meal!
