Makaronia tou Fournou recipe: a taste of Cyprus

Makaronia tou fournou is a classic Cypriot and Greek dish that's all about comfort and flavor. This recipe has been enjoyed by families for generations, and today, we'll take a closer look at what makes it so special. From its simple ingredients to its cozy, homemade feel, Makaronia tou Fournou is a dish that brings people together.

Cypriot cuisine is renowned for its flavourful mixes and fresh ingredients. It is all about the senses, from big, colourful salads to hearty meals. Makaronia tou fournou is a perfect example of this. The layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy sauce all fit together.

It's time to roll up our sleeves and bring this delightful dish to life in our very own kitchens. Let's go on this delightful journey together and spread the warmth and love of this traditional Cypriot dish to your loved ones. This recipe welcomes you to create a taste of Cyprus in your own home.

Mince Sauce

• ¼ cup of premium olive oil
• 2 brown onions, finely diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 kg of high-quality pork mince
• 2 ½ tablespoons of dried mint
• 1 ½ teaspoons of sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of fragrant cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• ½ cup of pure water
• ¼ cup of delicate white wine
• 20 sprigs of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Pasta

• 500 g of penne pasta
• Boiling water, as per packet instructions
• A pinch of salt
• 50 g of authentic halloumi cheese, grated

Bechamel Sauce

• 1.25 L of warm milk
• 125 g of unsalted butter
• 125 g of all-purpose flour
• 150 g of genuine halloumi cheese, grated
• 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Assembly

• 1/8 teaspoon of optional ground nutmeg
• 25 g of real halloumi cheese, grated

Instructions

Mince Sauce:

In a spacious skillet, gently heat the olive oil and sauté the diced onions until they turn translucent. Introduce the minced garlic and pork mince, breaking apart the meat with a wooden spoon as it gracefully browns.

Sprinkle in the dried mint, sea salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and ground cumin, stirring for a delightful 2 minutes. Invigorate the mixture with a splash of white wine and pure water, allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously.

Allow the mince to simmer gracefully for 15-20 minutes until the luscious liquids have reduced. Stir in the finely chopped parsley, and then set this aromatic blend aside.

Pasta:

While the mince is reaching its culinary crescendo, cook the penne pasta to al dente perfection as per the packet instructions, but reduce the cooking time slightly. Once cooked, drain the pasta, and if not assembling immediately, drizzle a delicate touch of olive oil to prevent any unwanted sticking.

Bechamel Sauce:

Prepare a separate pot that accommodates at least 2 liters of liquid. Over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.

Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the two become a seamless fusion. Gradually introduce a cup of warm milk, whisking diligently until a velvety consistency emerges. Repeat this graceful process, adding milk one cup at a time, allowing the béchamel to luxuriously thicken with each addition.

Elevate the sauce with the addition of grated halloumi cheese and a dash of freshly ground black pepper.

Assembly:

As the finale approaches, preheat your oven to a passionate 200°C, fan-forced.

In a medium baking tray, create a masterpiece of layers: Begin with half of the penne pasta, crowned with a sprinkle of grated halloumi. Gracefully introduce the mince sauce, intermingling it with a cup of the béchamel.

Continue with the remaining pasta layer, adorned once again with halloumi's creamy richness. Pour the remaining béchamel, allowing it to embrace the ensemble. A final flourish of grated halloumi and a gentle sprinkle of optional ground nutmeg lend an air of enchantment.

Slide it into the oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes until the pinnacle glistens in a golden hue. Once the time has come, retrieve the tray, granting the dish a brief interlude to cool and set.

That’s it! You can enjoy the pleasures of home cooking and the coziness of Cypriot traditions with each taste of this dish. Get ready to make delicious Makaronia tou Fournou, a dish meant to be enjoyed with loved ones and cooked with love.