Description
Manestra is a cozy Greek-style one-pot dish made with tender orzo, flavorful ground meat, and aromatic herbs, all simmered in a rich tomato base. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef, lamb, or turkey
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more if needed
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 heaping tsp dried spearmint or 1 tbsp fresh chopped mint
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup orzo (whole wheat or regular)
- Grated Romano cheese, fresh chopped mint or parsley, and/or extra-virgin olive oil (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft and translucent.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and spearmint or mint. Cook for about 2 minutes to combine and deepen the flavor.
- Add water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in orzo, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Romano cheese, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Notes
- Use whole wheat orzo for added fiber and nutrition.
- Ground lamb adds a traditional Greek flair, but turkey is a great lean alternative.
- This dish thickens as it cools—add a splash of water to reheat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg