6/7/2025
Manestra - Greek Style
Manestra is the classic Greek comfort food that you probably haven't heard of! I've also learned that there is an Italian version of this dish (spelled a bit differently) but there it is usually vegetarian.
I'm not sure why we don't see this dish more often because it is so warm and comforting - and so flavorful! We up the Greek flavor a little bit by using our Greek Seasoning EVOO but you can use a plain EVOO and maybe add a teaspoon of a greek seasoning to mimic that.
- 2 tbsp Greek Seasoning EVOO
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6oz tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- pinch black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground Korintje Cinnamon
- 1 tbsp beef better than bouillon
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup orzo
- fresh mint, chopped
- feta cheese
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons Greek Seasoning EVOO over medium heat. Add the diced 1 large onion and cook until softened. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, stirring and breaking apart as it cooks.
Add the tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and beef better than bouillon. Stir to coat the meat in the tomato paste and spices and cook until mixture becomes very fragrant, about two minutes. Add the 4 cups water and bring to a boil.
Add 1 cup orzo; stir, cover, and simmer on low, stirring occasionally, until orzo is cooked (approximately 20 minutes).
Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh mint to serve.
