Greek Pastitsio with High-Protein/Gluten-Free Home-Made Pasta & Village Salad (includes complimentary surprise dessert)

This Thursday at Ragna’s Table, I invite you to journey to the sun-drenched landscapes of Greece with a menu that celebrates the warmth, color, and layered flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Inspired by traditional Greek cooking, this meal highlights wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients, fresh herbs, and comforting spices — thoughtfully crafted to be protein-forward and deeply satisfying.

At the heart of the menu is a baked Pastitsio, featuring tender tubes of homemade pasta made from a protein-rich lupin and gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Each pasta tube cradles a savory turkey ragù infused with fragrant Mediterranean aromatics — earthy oregano, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of allspice — then is crowned with a silky, golden béchamel sauce. As the dish bakes, the béchamel melds with the ragù, seeping into the pasta to create pockets of rich, creamy flavor in every bite. The combination of tender pasta, subtly spiced turkey, and velvety sauce offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors: hearty yet balanced, comforting yet vibrant, and deeply nourishing.

Paired alongside is a crisp, colorful Greek salad that brings the brightness of the Mediterranean to the plate. Juicy cucumbers, sun-ripened tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and sweet red onions are tossed with creamy feta and finished with a lively lemon-olive oil dressing. Each bite delivers a refreshing counterpoint to the baked richness of the Pastitsio, providing antioxidants, heart-healthy fats, and essential vitamins that elevate both flavor and nutrition.

This menu is a celebration of Greece itself — from the bustling tavernas of Athens to the quiet, olive-lined villages of the Peloponnese. It evokes the feeling of sun on the skin, the scent of herbs in the air, and the pleasure of sitting around a table where food is a ritual, a joy, and a connection to culture. Every forkful tells a story of Mediterranean simplicity and elegance, of ingredients that are vibrant, fresh, and full of life.

Together, the Pastitsio and Greek salad create a well-rounded, deeply satisfying meal that nourishes body and spirit. The richness of the baked pasta and ragù, the creaminess of the béchamel, and the fresh, bright flavors of the salad make this experience both comforting and exhilarating — a true Mediterranean feast crafted with care, intention, and love.