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Manestra: Greek Orzo Comfort Food with Ground Meat and Mint Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Greek

Description

Manestra is a comforting Greek dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a flavorful ground meat and tomato paste sauce, seasoned with cinnamon and spearmint for a unique aromatic touch. This simple one-pot meal comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for a hearty, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 lb. ground beef (or lamb or turkey)

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 6 oz. tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more if needed)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 heaping teaspoon dried spearmint (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint)
  • 4 cups water

Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo (whole wheat or regular)

To Serve (optional)

  • Grated romano cheese
  • Fresh chopped mint or parsley
  • Extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the onion and ground beef: In a large heavy pot with a lid, such as a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add tomato paste and spices: Stir in the tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and dried spearmint. Coat the meat evenly in the tomato paste mixture and cook until the paste starts to brown, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add water and bring to boil: Pour in the water and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Cook the orzo: Add the orzo, stir to combine, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 20 minutes or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
  5. Serve: Spoon the manestra into bowls and top with grated romano cheese, fresh chopped mint or parsley, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil if desired.

Notes

  • Using a heavy pot like a Dutch oven helps prevent the orzo from sticking and burning.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or turkey based on preference or dietary needs.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, before serving.
  • Fresh mint can replace dried spearmint to provide a brighter, fresher flavor.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/manestra-greek-orzo-comfort-food-with-ground-meat-and-mint-recipe/