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Greek Manestra

Hearty Greek Manestra: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Fix

Enjoy this Greek Manestra, a hearty and customizable one-pot dish, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness and flavor
  • 1 pound Beef (or Lamb) Ground beef or lamb can be used
  • 1 large Onion Chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste Intensifies the tomato flavor
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes The base of the sauce
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Adds aromatic flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Provides a warm, unique spice note
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning
For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Orzo Cooking right in the sauce
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Adds freshness
  • to taste Optional Cheese (Kefalotyri or Parmesan) Enhances flavor when serving

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef or lamb, searing until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and a splash of water or broth.
  4. Introduce the bay leaf, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  5. When the meat is tender, stir in the orzo. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  6. Remove the pot from heat, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use vegetable broth with your favorite veggies. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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