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–+ servings
Greek Manestra

Cozy Greek Manestra: A Comforting Family Feast

Experience a heartwarming bowl of Greek Manestra, a comforting dish with orzo immersed in a rich tomato sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 1 lb Beef or Lamb Ground or diced
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 can (28 oz) Crushed Tomatoes Canned or fresh
  • 1 cup Water or Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Discard after cooking
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Highly recommended for flavor
  • Salt To taste
  • Pepper To taste
For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can substitute with small pasta
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef or lamb, searing until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute.
  4. Add 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of water or broth, stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add 1 bay leaf, 1 cinnamon stick, and salt and pepper. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta, cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
  7. Remove from heat and let the Manestra rest for a few moments.
  8. Discard bay leaf and cinnamon stick, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Tip: Adjust salt and pepper to taste right before serving for the best flavor.

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