Include in Print View:

Manestra (Meat With Orzo)

Manestra (Meat With Orzo recipe image
Manestra is a comforting Greek staple that marries the richness of slow-braised beef or lamb with the delicate texture of orzo pasta. This dish builds deep flavor by browning the meat with onions and spices before simmering it in a robust tomato sauce. The orzo absorbs the savory juices, creating a thick, satisfying stew that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry family. Garnished with tangy mizithra cheese, this meal offers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and aromatic herbs like spearmint and cinnamon. It is simple to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality taste.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 337.4
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
Manestra is a comforting Greek staple that marries the richness of slow-braised beef or lamb with the delicate texture of orzo pasta. This dish builds deep flavor by browning the meat with onions and spices before simmering it in a robust tomato sauce. The orzo absorbs the savory juices, creating a thick, satisfying stew that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry family. Garnished with tangy mizithra cheese, this meal offers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and aromatic herbs like spearmint and cinnamon. It is simple to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality taste.
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 pound Beef or lamb stew meat
  • 1 teaspoon Spearmint flakes
  • 2 cups Onions; chopped
  • 4 cups Boiling water
  • 1 cup Tomato sauce
  • 1 cup Manestra (orzo)
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
  • 1 cup Grated cheese (Mizithra)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
Directions
  1. 1
    Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. 2
    Add beef or lamb stew meat and chopped onions.
  3. 3
    Brown meat and onions for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. 4
    Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, cinnamon, spearmint, and salt.
  5. 5
    Add 2 cups of boiling water to the saucepan.
  6. 6
    Cover and simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours until meat is tender.
  7. 7
    Add the remaining 2 cups of boiling water and bring to a boil.
  8. 8
    Stir in the orzo (manestra).
  9. 9
    Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. 10
    Serve hot topped with grated mizithra cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 337.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21.1g33%
Saturated Fat 7.4g37%
Cholesterol 88.5mg30%
Sodium 5267.6mg220%
Total Carbohydrate 4.0g2%
Dietary Fiber 1.0g4%
Sugars 2.5g
Protein 30.5g61%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Source: Adapted from "The Complete Greek Cookbook" by Theresa Karas Yianilios.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will absorb more liquid over time, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Substitutions: If mizithra is unavailable, feta or kefalotyri cheese are suitable alternatives. You can use either beef or lamb; lamb provides a more traditional Greek flavor.

Tip: Keep an eye on the orzo during the final 20 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't become mushy. The dish should be thick but soupy.

Keywords: greek, manestra, orzo, beef, lamb, stew, tomato sauce, onions, cinnamon, spearmint, mizithra, cheese, comfort food, dinner, pasta stew, slow cooked, hearty, traditional, family meal
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/manestra-meat-with-orzo/