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Greek Manestra

Greek Manestra

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Discover the comforting flavors of Greek Manestra, a hearty tomato orzo stew featuring tender beef and aromatic spices. This easy one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, delivering a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 1 cinnamon stick or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cubed beef and brown on all sides until golden.
  2. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until onion softens (about 3–4 minutes).
  3. Mix in tomato paste and cook for another minute before adding crushed tomatoes and water or beef broth.
  4. Season with cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes until beef is tender.
  5. Stir in orzo pasta and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  6. Once the orzo is al dente and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

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