Greek Manestra Recipe
Greek Manestra is a comforting and hearty beef and orzo stew, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce infused with cinnamon and bay leaf. This traditional Greek dish combines tender beef, tender orzo pasta, and aromatic spices for a cozy meal perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Cooking Fats and Liquids
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 ½ cups water or beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 cinnamon stick or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Carbohydrates
- 1 cup orzo
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and brown on all sides, developing a deep, savory crust that enhances flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Then add the can of crushed tomatoes and pour in the water or beef broth to create the sauce base.
- Season and Simmer: Add the cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta, and continue cooking on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add more broth if necessary to keep the mixture from drying out.
- Finish and Garnish: Once the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to a hearty consistency, remove the pot from heat. Take out the bay leaf and cinnamon stick if used. Let the stew sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier stew, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute orzo with another small pasta if desired, but cooking times may vary.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta.
Keywords: Greek Manestra, beef stew, orzo pasta, Greek comfort food, tomato beef stew
Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/greek-manestra-recipe/
