Description
Manestra is a comforting Greek dish featuring orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce enriched with red wine, garlic, and oregano, making it a perfect simple yet hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 75 ml (1/3 cup) dry red wine
- 250 g (8.8 oz) orzo
- 1 x 400 g (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 litre (4 cups) vegetable stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Chilli Flakes: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and red chilli flakes. Cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Red Wine: Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook for one minute. Pour in the dry red wine and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Then stir in the orzo, toasting it for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently.
- Simmer with Tomatoes and Stock: Add the canned chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, sugar, and vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally and add extra vegetable stock or water if the mixture becomes too thick.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve this warming Manestra immediately, optionally garnished with crumbled feta cheese for added richness.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red chilli flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute with additional vegetable stock or grape juice for sweetness.
- Adding crumbled feta on top adds a traditional Greek touch and enhances the flavor.
- Keep an eye on the orzo while simmering and add more liquid if needed to prevent sticking.
- Vegetable stock can be replaced with chicken stock if preferred, but this will alter the vegetarian status.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Manestra, Greek orzo, tomato sauce, vegetarian Greek recipe, orzo pasta, easy Greek dinner, Mediterranean cuisine
