If you’re ever craving a dish that feels like a warm hug, Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) is exactly what you need. Imagine tender orzo simmered slowly in a lively tomato sauce with a hint of aromatic cinnamon, finished with a generous shower of salty, nutty cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This beloved Greek staple is effortless to put together yet rich in deep, nostalgic flavors – it’s comfort food straight from the Aegean, perfect for cozy nights or gathering around the table with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in how just a handful of well-chosen ingredients can create something truly memorable. Each one is essential, building layers of flavor and heartiness while keeping the process simple and approachable. Let’s get set up for your best batch yet:
- Olive oil: Choose good-quality olive oil for richness and a lightly fruity note that rounds out the sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth—this forms the aromatic base.
- Garlic: Just a couple cloves, minced, add savory warmth and classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Canned tomato sauce brings lush, velvety body and beautiful color to the dish.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds juicy texture and bright, fresh flavor; don’t drain them!
- Dried oregano: Oregano is a signature Greek herb, giving the dish an unmistakable touch of the Mediterranean.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch, for an earthy-sweet note that makes Manestra unique—don’t skip this!
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, so don’t be shy.
- Black pepper: For a bit of gentle heat and depth in each bite.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: This flavorful liquid helps the orzo cook up creamy and full of savory depth; go veggie for a vegetarian meal.
- Orzo pasta: The star of Manestra; these short grains soak up all the sauce and become wonderfully tender.
- Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese: Grated over at the end for salty, nutty, and slightly sharp savoriness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for freshness, color, and balance.
How to Make Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, letting it slowly soften and turn translucent—this takes about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, and let it cook just until fragrant. This simple step is the foundation of Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food), and it’s worth taking your time so that the flavors build beautifully.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Next, pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (juices included), stirring well to combine with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, the warm ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. This is when the pot starts to smell absolutely amazing—like something special is on the way. Stir everything together to marry the flavors for a minute or two on medium heat.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and give the mixture a hearty stir. Increase the heat to bring everything up to a gentle boil. The broth makes the sauce both rich and light, perfect for bathing the orzo in flavor as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Stir in the orzo and lower the heat to medium-low so the mixture simmers gently. You’ll want to stir often—this keeps the orzo from sticking to the bottom and ensures each grain absorbs as much tomatoey goodness as possible. After about 15 to 18 minutes, the orzo should be soft and the mixture luxuriously thickened. If you like your Manestra a bit soupier, just add an extra splash of broth.
Step 5: Stir In Cheese and Rest
Take the pot off the heat and stir in the grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese until everything is creamy and well combined. Let your manestra (simple Greek orzo comfort food) rest for a few minutes; this gives the pasta time to settle and absorb even more flavor, making every spoonful irresistibly silky.
How to Serve Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food)
Garnishes
The best way to finish your Manestra is with a generous sprinkle of more grated cheese and a handful of fresh, bright green parsley. A final drizzle of olive oil, if you have an especially good one, adds a lovely gloss and another pop of flavor. These garnishes really lift the whole dish and make it feel special—even for a weeknight meal!
Side Dishes
While Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) is satisfyingly delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and a crisp salad like Greek horiatiki for freshness. Add some roasted vegetables or grilled skewers if you’re in the mood for a more elaborate spread (or a gathering of friends and family).
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when serving a crowd, you can ladle Manestra into individual bowls and top each with a fried egg for brunch, or serve it family-style in a rustic casserole dish for everyone to dig into. For extra heartiness, stir in cooked ground beef or lamb, making this Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) the centerpiece of a festive table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let your Manestra cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors get even better as they meld together. The orzo may soak up more liquid, so a splash of broth when reheating brings it back to life.
Freezing
Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) can be frozen, although the texture of the orzo may get a bit softer after defrosting. Place the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm Manestra gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through and adding a touch of liquid for creaminess. Don’t forget to finish with a little more fresh cheese and parsley before serving again!
FAQs
Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Traditional Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) is made with orzo, but you can substitute small pasta shapes or even short-grain rice in a pinch. Just know that the texture will be a bit different, and rice might require a little extra cooking time and broth.
Is it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and use vegetarian Parmesan or Kefalotyri if dairy is a concern. The result will still be rich, satisfying, and 100 percent cozy Greek comfort food.
Can I add protein to the dish?
Yes! For a heartier version, stir in cooked ground beef, lamb, or even shredded rotisserie chicken toward the end of cooking. Beans or chickpeas also make a delicious and filling addition for plant-based protein that blends perfectly with the flavors of Manestra.
What kind of cheese is best?
Kefalotyri is a classic choice for its tangy, nutty flavor, but Parmesan works beautifully too and is easier to find. Pecorino or even crumbled feta can be lovely alternatives depending on what you have on hand.
Can I make it ahead for a party?
Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) is an excellent make-ahead dish! Simply prepare as directed, let cool, and store. Reheat with a splash of broth, stir, and offer freshly grated cheese and parsley on the side for everyone to sprinkle over just before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a steaming bowl of Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) that makes every meal feel a little more joyful and a lot more comforting. Whether you serve it at the center of the table or sneak a cozy bowl for yourself on a quiet night, I hope this recipe brings you the same warmth and happiness it’s brought to my table. Gather your ingredients and let your kitchen fill with the aromas of Greece—you’re in for a treat!
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Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Manestra is a comforting Greek orzo dish that combines flavors of tomato, oregano, and cinnamon for a satisfying meal. This vegetarian recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth.
- Cook Orzo: Bring to a boil, then add orzo. Simmer until tender, stirring often.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in cheese. Rest before serving, garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
Notes
- Manestra can be served as a main dish or a side.
- For a heartier version, add cooked ground beef or lamb.
- Adjust broth for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
