Description
Manestra, a simple Greek orzo comfort food, is the epitome of home-cooked warmth. This delightful dish features tender orzo pasta combined with savory ground beef (or your choice of meat), aromatic spices, and fresh herbs. With its unique blend of cinnamon and mint, Manestra not only satisfies the palate but also uplifts the spirit. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy nights in. Serve it warm, topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs for an irresistible treat that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb or turkey)
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 heaping teaspoon dried spearmint (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint)
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup orzo (whole wheat or regular)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; sauté diced onion until softened.
- Add ground beef and brown thoroughly.
- Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and mint; cook for two minutes.
- Pour in water and bring to a boil.
- Add orzo; cover and simmer on low for about 20 minutes until cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like grated cheese and herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg