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Greek Manestra

Greek Manestra is a warm, rustic one-pot comfort dish combining tender beef, orzo, and a bright tomato and cinnamon flavor profile.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, 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 stick cinnamon or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the beef on all sides.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
  3. Stir in tomato paste; cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and broth.
  4. Season with cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 25–30 minutes.
  5. Stir in orzo and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often. Add more broth if needed.
  6. Once orzo is tender and sauce thickens, remove from heat and garnish with parsley.
  7. Let sit a few minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

Serve hot in shallow bowls with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Pairs well with a green salad, crusty bread, or lemon wedges. For a richer finish, provide crumbled feta or grated kefalotyri.