Marcona Bechemel

submitted by Sister Tina Barshofsky

Ingredients & Directions

This is one of my favorite recipes taught to me by a friend. I add a lot of cheese to the sauce and the top of the casserole for my children.

1. Prepare a 13 x 9 inch pan by buttering and coating with bread crumbs.

2. Prepare ½ a regular size package of macaroni according to package directions (if you have a larger pan you are using or like more pasta, use more. You can also use other types of pasta like ziti.)

3. Dice 1 to 2 onions and sauté in a little oil till yellow then add ½ to ¾ lb ground lamb or beef and cook till liquid is gone. Add 2½ to 3 diced tomatoes (previously blanched and skins removed). Cook for a while longer then add salt/pepper and spices to taste (I use Bharat).

4. Add approximately 2 tablespoons tomato paste to thicken a little.

Bechemel Sauce

1. Melt approximately 3 tablespoons butter on medium heat in a large saucepan then add 4 tablespoons flour whisking to mix. Continue whisking slowly and cook until just turned dark yellow (be careful not to let it turn red. It changes quickly from good to burnt.)

2. Add 4 cups milk, 1 cup at a time whisking between each addition. Cook until thick like cream then remove from heat. Let cook slightly (so eggs do not cook when added) then add 3 eggs, 1 at a time mixing after each addition. Add ½ to ¾ c grated cheese (cheddar is best) and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste at this point and add spices to your taste.

3. Mix ½ of the sauce with the macaroni and then put ½ the macaroni in the bottom of the prepared pan. Top the macaroni with the meat sauce then put the 2nd half of the macaroni on top. Pour remaining sauce over casserole. Sprinkle with grated cheese then dot with butter and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake in approximately 350 degree oven till sauce is set. Approximately 30 minutes.

4. This dish is well worth any effort it takes and if you do not want to bother with the sauce I have seen a box mix for béchamel sauce in middle eastern grocery stores. The mix is probably much easier but making it is fun.