Description
Manestra is a beloved Greek comfort food made with orzo pasta and a simple, flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy meal, offering the right balance of savory tomato flavors and tender orzo. This dish is hearty yet light, making it an ideal option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable or chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the orzo pasta and stir to incorporate.
- Simmer the orzo in the tomato broth for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the orzo is cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a heartier version, you can add ground beef or lamb to the dish. Brown the meat along with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes and broth.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the dried oregano and basil.
- This dish is perfect for leftovers and reheats well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg