Greek Manestra

Looking for the best greek manestra recipe? This cozy, easy, and healthy tomato orzo dish is full of flavor and quick to make! Perfect for family dinners or comforting weeknight ideas. A simple one-pot recipe with tender beef and classic Greek spices for meal prep or sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of tender beef, tomatoes, and spices creates a rich and satisfying dish.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main course or a hearty side. It pairs well with salads or crusty bread.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from beef and enriched with vitamins from tomatoes and herbs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in a single pot.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Greek Manestra, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for browning the beef and simmering all ingredients together for optimal flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot while ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee the right balance of flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

For the Beef Base

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

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste

For the Orzo Dish

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 ½ cups water or beef broth
• 1 cinnamon stick or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Greek Manestra

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed beef stew meat. Brown on all sides, which should take about 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft, approximately 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomato Ingredients

Stir in the tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the crushed tomatoes and broth.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Season with cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 25–30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Orzo

Stir in the orzo pasta. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring often. If needed, add more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened nicely, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Let sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance texture. Enjoy your homemade Greek Manestra!

How to Serve Greek Manestra

Greek Manestra is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or having a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm baguette is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Add a twist by serving garlic bread for a flavorful complement.

Add a Side Salad

• Greek Salad: Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives create a refreshing contrast.
• Arugula Salad: Lightly dressed arugula adds peppery notes that balance the richness of the Manestra.

Top with Cheese

• Feta Crumbles: Sprinkle feta cheese on top for a creamy, tangy finish.
• Parmesan Shavings: A few shavings of Parmesan add depth and umami flavor.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley not only looks good but also brightens up the dish.
• Basil Leaves: For those who enjoy basil, adding it as a garnish enhances the aroma.

How to Perfect Greek Manestra

To make your Greek Manestra even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Meat: Select fresh beef stew meat for tender pieces that absorb flavors well.
• Sauté Aromatics First: Always sauté onions and garlic until soft to build a flavorful base.
• Simmer Gently: Allowing sufficient simmering time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: Keep extra broth or water on hand to achieve your desired consistency for the orzo.
• Serve Hot: Enjoy this dish hot for the best texture and flavor experience.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Manestra

Complement your Greek Manestra with these delightful side dishes for a complete meal.

1. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide sweetness and texture.
2. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad adds grains while enhancing flavors with herbs and lemon.
3. Hummus Platter: Creamy hummus served with pita bread or veggie sticks offers a satisfying crunch.
4. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These flavorful bites are great as an appetizer alongside your main dish.
5. Olive Tapenade: A rich olive tapenade spread on bread adds a savory touch to your meal.
6. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini brings freshness and complements the hearty nature of Manestra.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Greek Manestra is simple, but some common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture.

• Overcooking the beef: Brown the beef just until it develops color. Overcooking will make it tough. Aim for a nice sear and then simmer slowly.
• Ignoring seasoning: Don’t skip the salt and pepper! Seasoning throughout the cooking process enhances flavor. Taste as you go to ensure balance.
• Using too much liquid: Adding too much broth or water can result in a soupy dish. Start with the recommended amount and adjust as needed during cooking.
• Neglecting the orzo: Stirring often prevents the orzo from sticking together. Keep an eye on it to achieve that perfect tender texture without clumping.
• Rushing the resting time: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld and improves texture. Patience is key!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the Greek Manestra to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Greek Manestra

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating later.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Greek Manestra

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes, adding broth if needed.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Greek Manestra.

What is Greek Manestra?

Greek Manestra is a comforting tomato-based orzo dish typically made with beef, spices, and fresh herbs, perfect for family meals.

Can I make Greek Manestra vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I customize Greek Manestra?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. Adjust spices based on your taste preferences.

How is Greek Manestra different from regular pasta dishes?

Greek Manestra features orzo cooked in a rich tomato sauce with distinctively Greek flavors like cinnamon and bay leaf, setting it apart from typical pasta recipes.

Final Thoughts

Greek Manestra is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its robust flavors and comforting texture, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your palate!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Greek Manestra

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Looking for a delicious and comforting Greek Manestra recipe? This hearty tomato orzo dish is packed with tender beef, classic Greek spices, and fresh herbs. Easy to prepare in just one pot, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 ½ cups water or beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the cubed beef on all sides for about 5–7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft (3–4 minutes).
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add crushed tomatoes and broth.
4. Season with salt, pepper, cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon, and bay leaf. Simmer for 25–30 minutes.
5. Incorporate the orzo pasta and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring often. If necessary, add more broth to reach desired consistency.
6. Once the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg