Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food)

Let me introduce you to your next go-to comfort dish: Manestra. This humble Greek classic is proof that sometimes the simplest meals are the most soul-satisfying. We’re talking tender orzo, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with a touch of olive oil and cozy Mediterranean spices. That’s it. No frills. Just pure, velvety, tomato-kissed comfort in a bowl.

Manestra is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from a Greek yiayia. It’s easy to make, comes together in one pot, and is super customizable. Whether you enjoy it as a side, a main, or topped with a little crumbled feta or Parmesan (trust me, game-changer), this dish will quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love Manestra

Simple but Flavorful
You only need a few pantry staples—tomato, olive oil, orzo, broth—but the flavor is rich, mellow, and incredibly comforting.

Ready in 30 Minutes
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something warm and hearty now. No complicated prep, no long list of steps.

One-Pot Wonder
Less mess, less fuss. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Customizable
Want to make it heartier? Add ground beef or chickpeas. Want it creamier? Stir in a knob of butter or a splash of cream. Want it vegan? Done—it already is!

Crowd-Friendly
Serve it as a cozy side dish, or let it shine as a main. Kids and adults both love it—it’s got that nostalgic, tomatoey, pasta-y goodness.

Ingredients in Manestra

You won’t need a fancy grocery haul for this one—just a few basics that come together to make something really special.

Orzo (Kritharaki)
This rice-shaped pasta is the star of the show. It absorbs the sauce beautifully and creates a silky, risotto-like texture.

Tomato Sauce or Crushed Tomatoes
The base of your flavor. It gives the dish that warm, tangy richness that makes Manestra so comforting.

Olive Oil
A staple in Greek cooking—adds depth, richness, and that classic Mediterranean vibe.

Garlic & Onion
Aromatic foundation that builds savory flavor from the first sizzle.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth
Adds flavor and helps the orzo cook to perfection. Water works in a pinch, but broth makes it better.

Cinnamon or Allspice (Optional)
A tiny pinch of warming spice adds that little something extra and nods to Greek culinary tradition.

Salt & Pepper
Simple seasonings that bring it all together.

Feta or Grated Cheese (Optional for Serving)
Totally optional, but adds a salty, creamy finish if you’re in the mood to fancy it up.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Sauté Your Base

In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes & Spices

Stir in your tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice if using, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Add Orzo and Broth

Pour in the orzo and stir to coat. Add broth and bring everything to a gentle boil.

Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender and the sauce thickened.

Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes—it will continue to thicken as it sits. Serve warm, with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of feta or grated cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 310
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 580mg
Total Carbohydrates: 48g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 7g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Manestra

This dish is super versatile, and there’s no wrong way to enjoy it:

• As a Main Dish: Serve it with a green salad and crusty bread for a full meal.
• With Protein: Pair it with grilled chicken, lamb, or roasted veggies for a heartier plate.
• With Cheese: Crumble feta on top or grate a little Parmesan for extra richness.
• Greek Mezze Style: Serve small portions alongside olives, tzatziki, and dolmades.
• Leftover Lunch: Manestra tastes even better the next day. Just reheat with a splash of broth or water.

Additional Tips

• Keep Stirring: Stir often as orzo cooks to prevent it from sticking or clumping.
• Adjust Consistency: Like it more soupy? Add a bit more broth. Want it thicker? Let it simmer a bit longer.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat or swap in smoked paprika for depth.
• Go Vegan: This dish is already naturally vegan—just skip the cheese topping!
• Double It: This recipe is easy to scale up for a crowd or for leftovers.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use rice instead of orzo?
A1: You can, but the texture and cooking time will be different. Orzo gives it that creamy, pasta-like finish that’s key to Manestra.

Q2: How do I keep the orzo from sticking?
A2: Stir frequently and don’t walk away while it’s simmering. Orzo loves to cling!

Q3: Can I freeze Manestra?
A3: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat gently with added broth to revive the texture.

Q4: Can I add meat to this?
A4: Definitely! Brown some ground beef, lamb, or sausage with the onions and garlic for a heartier version.

Q5: What if I don’t have broth?
A5: Water works in a pinch—just be sure to season well. A bouillon cube can also do the trick.

Q6: Is this dish spicy?
A6: Not at all! It’s mild and cozy. You can always spice it up to your taste.

Q7: Can I use fresh tomatoes?
A7: Absolutely. Just sauté them down until they break down into a sauce—add a little paste if you need extra richness.

Q8: What’s the best pasta shape if I don’t have orzo?
A8: Try small pasta shapes like ditalini or pastina. They’ll cook quickly and hold the sauce well.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Q10: What cheese is best on top?
A10: Feta for a salty, creamy Greek flair—or Parmesan for a classic finish.

Conclusion

Manestra is the kind of dish that proves you don’t need a million ingredients to make something completely satisfying. It’s simple, cozy, and full of those nostalgic, feel-good flavors that just make you smile. Whether you serve it as a main, a side, or even a midnight snack (no judgment here), this Greek comfort classic is always a good idea.

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