Fall

Manestra

Name: Manestra
Yield: Makes about 3 quarts
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 3 large cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons dried oregano (preferably Greek); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth or water; 1 1/2 cups orzo; Grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

by: inpatskitchen

September 26, 2017

4.5

4 Ratings

Photo by inpatskitchen

Makes about 3 quarts

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Author Notes

Simple Greek comfort food comes to the table..... —inpatskitchen

What You'll Need

Ingredients

¹/₄ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 large cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons dried oregano (preferably Greek)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth or water
1 ¹/₂ cups orzo
Grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a 4 quart soup pot and add the diced onion. Saute for a few minutes and then add the minced garlic and oregano. Continue to sauté until the garlic smells fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the broth or water and bring up to a boil. Stir in the orzo and simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often so the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Serve nice and hot in bowls garnished with the cheese if you like.
NOTE: If re-heating you may need to add a little extra broth or water as the orzo soaks up so much liquid.

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10 Reviews

eamcl January 21, 2020

I loved this recipe- thank you for sharing. I have never had manestra without a dash of cinnamon in it, however. It's a very Greek addition. Thanks for bringing to Food52!

inpatskitchen January 21, 2020

Thanks so much!

Brussels S. January 24, 2019

This looks so simple and fantastic. I love a good orzo recipe!

inpatskitchen January 24, 2019

Thanks! Hope you enjoy!

FrugalCat July 24, 2018

Delicious with whole wheat orzo.

inpatskitchen July 24, 2018

Oh yes! Thanks so much!

Bevi September 26, 2017

Hi Pat - is there a particular brand of canned tomato that you like to use?

inpatskitchen September 27, 2017

Hi Bevi! I'm pretty partial to Cento brand tomatoes when I can find them...a little pricey but so good!

Bevi September 27, 2017

That's my favorite too! I don't know about your Costco region, but mine in the NE sells Cento canned tomatoes 2/28oz. AND Cento Organic tomato paste, in tubes.