Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe
Nothing quite compares to a bowl of Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food): creamy, tomato-kissed orzo cooked to velvety perfection and crowned with melty cheese. This dish takes me right back to cozy kitchens, where the aroma of simmering tomatoes and oregano instantly spells comfort and nostalgia. Easy enough for any night of the week but soulful enough to make memories around, Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) is that little taste of Greece everyone needs in their recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to achieve the perfect balance of richness, tang, color, and that irresistible comfort factor.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Sets the stage with a mellow, glossy base for sautéing and flavor.
- Yellow Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Sweetens and deepens the tomato flavor as it softens.
- Garlic Cloves, minced (2): Adds that essential aromatic note, every Mediterranean dish needs it!
- Orzo Pasta, uncooked (1 cup): The star grain, plumps up beautifully and soaks in all the deliciousness.
- Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Gives a punchy tomato depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes, canned (14.5 oz): Builds that classic tomato base, full of tangy sweetness.
- Low-Sodium Vegetable or Chicken Broth (3 cups, plus more if needed): Crafts the creamy texture and infuses the orzo with flavor.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy, floral notes that define Greek comfort food.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): A must for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors.
- Grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan Cheese (for serving): The traditional finishing touch for salty, creamy bliss.
- Fresh Parsley, optional (for garnish): Adds brightness and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over a gentle medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion, and let it sizzle away for 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is to soften the onion until it turns translucent and releases its sweet essence. Add in the minced garlic and stir for just about a minute — you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells impossibly inviting.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Pour the uncooked orzo into your fragrant onion and garlic base. Stir frequently for a minute or two until the orzo starts to glisten and picks up the golden hue from the oil. This tiny effort makes a big difference: it gives the pasta a subtle, nutty undertone that makes Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) uniquely irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute, enveloping the orzo in intense, concentrated tomato goodness. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and pour in the broth, scraping the bottom to lift any flavorful bits. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and give everything a hearty stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer to Creamy Perfection
Adjust the heat to low and let the mixture gently simmer uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir often! Orzo loves to stick, and frequent stirring prevents that while transforming everything into a luscious, creamy pot of comfort. Add extra broth or water if needed to achieve your favorite consistency — whether you like it thicker or more soup-like, Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) is meant for personalization.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the orzo is tender and the texture is just how you like it, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and the dish to thicken perfectly. Spoon into bowls and finish with lots of grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant, classic touch.
How to Serve Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food)
Garnishes
A classic bowl of Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) craves a dusting of salty Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. These toppings not only add a rich, fresh finish but also deliver those restaurant-worthy looks and flavor pops right at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish is heartwarming on its own, but it beautifully welcomes a crisp green salad, a few slices of crusty bread to mop up the sauce, or even roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious spread. If you’re feeling extra Mediterranean, bring out some olives or feta on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknight family style, simply spoon straight from the pot into deep bowls. Hosting friends? Divide Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) among small ramekins, top with a cheese crisp or a swirl of Greek yogurt and fresh herb pesto for a modern twist. Pair with elegant wine glasses and let the compliments flow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) makes phenomenal leftovers. Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo will soak up more liquid over time, so keep extra broth handy for when you reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze Manestra for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze. The orzo will soften a bit further upon thawing but the flavors remain comforting and robust. Just be sure to add a splash of broth as you reheat to revive its creamy character.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, transfer Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) to a saucepan with a splash of broth or water. Warm gently over low heat, stirring often. The dish will return to its original creamy goodness in just a few minutes, ready for another dusting of cheese!
FAQs
Can I make Manestra ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! This dish actually improves as it sits, so it’s perfect for prepping a day in advance. Just reheat with extra broth to loosen it up, garnish freshly right before serving, and watch it disappear.
What protein can I add to make it heartier?
If you want to make Manestra even more substantial, stir in cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Each option melds seamlessly with the tomato and orzo base.
What’s the best substitute for Kefalotyri cheese?
If you can’t find Kefalotyri, Parmesan is a great substitute. You could also use Pecorino Romano or even crumbled feta for a more tangy, authentic Greek vibe.
Is Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) gluten free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it isn’t gluten free. However, you can easily find gluten-free orzo or small rice-shaped pasta at many specialty stores and use it instead for equally delicious results.
How do I keep the orzo from sticking to the pot?
Stirring is key! Be sure to stir frequently while simmering and keep an eye on the liquid levels. If it looks like it’s thickening too quickly, just add a little more broth as needed to keep things smooth and creamy.
Final Thoughts
Few things in the culinary world match the soul-soothing effect of a homemade bowl of Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food). Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine Main Course. Gather your loved ones and make a pot—you’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears!
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Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Manestra is a simple and comforting Greek orzo dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe combines orzo pasta with a flavorful tomato broth, creating a creamy and satisfying dish that is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (plus more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Main Ingredients:
For Serving:
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic.
- Add Orzo and Tomatoes: Toast the orzo, then add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Orzo: Simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes until orzo is tender and mixture is creamy. Adjust consistency if needed.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with cheese and parsley.
Notes
- Manestra thickens as it sits, so add warm broth when reheating.
- For a heartier version, stir in cooked ground beef or shredded chicken.
- This dish is traditionally simple and comforting, perfect on its own or as a side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
