Manestra Creamy Tomato Orzo

5 from 1 vote

Greek Manestra is a creamy tomato orzo that will have your taste buds dancing with delight and your stomach begging for more.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Greek

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 211kcal

Author: Lizzy Cascalheira

Ingredients

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil extra virgin
1 onion finely chopped
3 garlic cloves chopped
1 cup orzo medium-sized
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup stewed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon allspice
2 dried bay leaves
½ teaspoon salt if needed
4 cups chicken broth or water
OPTIONAL: crumbled feta cheese to serve with sprinkled oregano

Instructions

Chop onion and garlic.
In a large pan, sauté the minced garlic and diced onion in olive oil with a wooden spoon until they're fragrant and translucent.
Reduce the heat to simmer and add spice and the orzo pasta.
Add the chopped tomatoes, along with the juice, to the pot and tomato paste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil then lower heat.
Cook everything together until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Once the pasta is ready, add salt and pepper to taste. You can also sprinkle in some dried oregano for extra flavor.
Serve the Manestra hot, topped with a crumbled feta on top.

Notes

1. Use good-quality ingredients - The quality of your ingredients can make all the difference in the flavor of your Maestra. Use fresh tomatoes, high-quality olive oil, and good-quality chicken broth.

2. Don't rush the cooking process - Let the Manestra simmer on low heat for at least 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the orzo to fully absorb the sauce.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed - Be sure to taste the Manestra throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

4. Experiment with toppings - While fresh parsley is a classic topping for Manestra, don't be afraid to get creative with other toppings. Try adding crumbled feta cheese, diced olives, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a unique twist.

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