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Greek Manestra Recipe

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4.5 from 144 reviews

Greek Manestra is a comforting, hearty pasta stew featuring tender beef, aromatic spices, and orzo simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional Greek dish combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful one-pot meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Tomatoes

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 ½ cups water or beef broth

Grains and Spices

  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1 cinnamon stick or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef stew meat on all sides until nicely seared, about 5-7 minutes. This step develops deep flavor for the stew.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook, stirring often, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add tomato paste and liquids: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor. Then add the crushed tomatoes and water or beef broth into the pot, mixing well.
  4. Season and simmer: Add the cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for 25–30 minutes so the beef becomes tender and flavors meld together.
  5. Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and continue cooking, stirring often, for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens. Add a little more broth or water if the mixture becomes too thick during cooking.
  6. Finish and garnish: Remove the pot from the heat once the orzo is cooked and the sauce has reached your desired consistency. Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick if used. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving to improve texture.

Notes

  • Using beef broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the stew.
  • If ground cinnamon is used instead of a cinnamon stick, add it towards the end of cooking to avoid overpowering the dish.
  • Stir frequently when cooking the orzo to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Letting the dish rest before serving allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to deepen.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple Greek salad or crusty bread.

Find it online: https://forkoria.com/greek-manestra-recipe/