Description
Manestra is a one-pot Greek orzo dish that’s tomato-based with olive oil, lean ground beef, onion, garlic, & fresh herbs. It’s considered to be a Greek comfort food.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1.5 lbs. lean ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
romano cheese, shredded (for garnish)
salt
black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1 teaspoon EVOO over medium heat in a large stockpot until shimmering, but not smoking. Add onion and cook for 4 minutes while stirring regularly. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add lean ground beef, salt, & pepper and cook until fully cooked, about 7 minutes. Strain out fat and return to pot.
- Drizzle an additional 2 tablespoons EVOO into pot. Add tomato paste, dried oregano, cinnamon, fresh mint, & about ¼ cup of fresh parsley. Stir to coat beef and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken stock. Ensure nothing is stuck to bottom of pot by scraping with wooden spoon. Raise heat and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add orzo pasta. Stir for about 1 minute, then lower heat and cover. Simmer for 25 minutes.
- Keep covered & remove pot from heat. Let stand undisturbed for about 7 minutes, allowing orzo to soak up most remaining liquid.
- Serve in shallow bowls. Sprinkle shredded romano cheese & remaining chopped fresh parsley to garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rest Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Greek
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