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Greek Manestra

Cozy Greek Manestra for Heartwarming Family Dinners

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Greek Manestra is a cozy, hearty meal that blends tender orzo pasta with rich tomato sauce and meat, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 2 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 4 dinners
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing meat and vegetables.
  • 1 pound Beef or Lamb Main protein; ground options can work.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh only.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Enhances tomato taste.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Canned or fresh.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Optional but recommended.
  • 1 pinch Cinnamon Omit if desired.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Orzo Absorbs the sauce.
For Garnishment
  • to taste Parsley Optional.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound of beef or lamb, searing it for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add one chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, stirring and cooking for about 1 minute. Then pour in a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and a splash of water or broth, stirring until well combined.
  4. Return the browned meat, season with 1 bay leaf, a pinch of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Once meat is tender, stir in 1 cup of orzo. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  6. Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, and serve with fresh parsley on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1dinnerCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, stir orzo often while cooking and adjust liquid levels as needed. This dish is perfect for meal prep.

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