Manestra Meat With Orzo Recipes

MANESTRA (SIMPLE GREEK ORZO COMFORT FOOD)

Steps:

• Brown the ground beef and onion in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 6 minutes.
• Add the whole can of tomato paste, kosher salt (1 teaspoon), black pepper to taste, ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon), and dried spearmint (1 heaping teaspoon).
• Stir to coat the meat in the tomato paste and spices and cook until tomato paste begins to brown, about two minutes.
• Add the four cups of water; bring to a boil.
• Add orzo (1 cup); stir, cover, and simmer on low, stirring occasionally, until orzo is cooked (approximately 20 minutes).
• Serve with grated Romano cheese and chopped fresh mint or parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

GREEK CHICKEN AND ORZO - KOTA MANESTRA

Steps:

• In large pot, saute onion in olive oil until translucent.
• Add chicken and brown on all sides.
• Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
• Add tomato paste, water, salt and pepper.
• Simmer 30 minutes, covered.
• Add orzo and stir regularly until orzo is tender.
• Serve sprinkled with parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

MANESTRA (MEAT WITH ORZO)

Steps:

• Heat oil in large saucepan and brown meat and onions for 10 minutes over medium heat.
• Add tomato, seasonings, and 2 cups water.
• Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours until meat is tender.
• Add remaining water and bring to a boil.
• Add manestra (orzo).
• Stir once or twice.
• Simmer 20 minutes more.
• Serve hot with grated cheese.

CHICKEN MANESTRA (ORZO)

Steps:

• Saute Onion in Olive Oil.
• Brown chicken pieces.
• Add water and tomato paste, simmer chicken for 30 minutes.
• Add Orzo, stirring with a watchful eye until Orzo is tender.