Description
Manestra is a comforting Greek-style orzo dish cooked with ground beef, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs like cinnamon and spearmint. This savory, hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and is traditionally served with grated Romano cheese and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Units
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, 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
- 1 cup orzo (whole wheat or regular)
- Grated Romano cheese (optional)
- Fresh chopped mint or parsley (optional)
- Extra-virgin olive oil for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
- Add ground meat to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and spearmint or mint. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in orzo, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Romano cheese, fresh mint or parsley, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with lamb or turkey based on preference.
- Using whole wheat orzo adds more fiber and nutrients.
- Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add authentic flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg