Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe
If you crave a warm, inviting dish that feels like a cozy hug from the Mediterranean, the Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This delightful Greek classic combines tender orzo pasta simmered in a lush tomato broth, seasoned with fragrant herbs and garlic, creating a dish that is effortlessly comforting yet full of vibrant flavor. Whether you’re in need of a quick supper or a light meal that satisfies, this recipe brings simple ingredients together in a way that feels amazingly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh aromatics, every ingredient plays an essential role in layering flavor, adding texture, or brightening the dish with color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a silky base and rich flavor perfect for sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened gently in the olive oil.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings that classic, irresistible aroma that makes the dish sing.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Offers a vibrant, tangy foundation and lovely Juiciness that drenches the pasta.
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Enriches the dish, allowing the orzo to cook perfectly while infusing savory notes.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The star ingredient that delivers a comforting, pillow-like texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Captures the essence of Greek cuisine and adds herbal warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the oregano with a sweet, slightly peppery flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances the flavors and enhances every bite.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish): A pop of fresh green and brightness to finish the dish.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving): Adds a nutty, creamy touch that elevates this simple comfort food.
How to Make Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally as they soften and release their aromas. After about 3 to 4 minutes, the kitchen will start to smell like a Mediterranean bistro, signaling it’s time for the next step.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
To the softened onions and garlic, pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the vegetable or chicken broth along with the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the flavors meld into a vibrant and inviting sauce. This liquid base will turn the orzo into a luscious, flavorful comfort food.
Step 3: Add Orzo and Simmer
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the orzo pasta. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the orzo to soak up the tomato-herb broth, cooking until perfectly tender and slightly creamy. Keep an eye on it to make sure the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Rest and Finish
When the orzo is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Give it a few minutes to rest so any remaining broth is fully absorbed, leaving you with a cozy, tender dish that’s ready to warm your soul.
How to Serve Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe
Garnishes
This dish comes alive with fresh herbs on top. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the warm Manestra for a fresh burst of color and flavor. If you want to indulge a little more, a handful of grated Parmesan cheese adds a beautifully creamy, savory finish that your taste buds will thank you for.
Side Dishes
Though hearty on its own, this orzo comfort food pairs wonderfully with a crisp Greek salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a protein boost, grilled chicken or lemony shrimp complements the mild tomato flavor perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in shallow bowls topped with extra herbs and cheese, or alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping into all that delicious broth. For a festive touch, lay a few kalamata olives on the side, bringing tradition straight to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more comforting.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the dish has thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep the orzo creamy and prevent sticking, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Orzo is ideal for this recipe because of its small, rice-like shape and tender texture, but you can experiment with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even tiny shells. Keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan friendly?
This Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe can easily be vegetarian by using vegetable broth, and vegan if you omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Can I add meat or other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to make it heartier and customize it to your taste.
What should the texture of the orzo be when done?
The orzo should be tender but retain a slight bite, similar to al dente pasta. It shouldn’t be mushy but rather soft and creamy from absorbing the flavorful tomato broth.
Is Manestra traditionally served hot or cold?
Traditionally, Manestra is served hot and fresh, making it wonderfully comforting. However, it can be enjoyed at room temperature or cold as a pasta salad variation with a few adjustments.
Final Thoughts
This Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel instantly at home with every bite. Its simple ingredients and straightforward process come together to create a comforting Mediterranean classic you’ll want to return to time and time again. I encourage you to try making it soon—it’s a surefire way to bring a little sunshine and heartwarming flavor to your table.
Print
Manestra (Simple Greek Orzo Comfort Food) Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Manestra is a comforting Greek dish featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato broth infused with garlic, onion, and herbs. This simple yet satisfying one-pot meal is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and offers a warm, hearty taste of traditional Greek cuisine.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable or chicken broth. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper then stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This helps blend the flavors and prepare the liquid for cooking the pasta.
- Cook the Orzo: Reduce the heat to low and add the orzo pasta to the pot. Stir to incorporate and let it simmer uncovered. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Rest the Dish: Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the manestra sit for a few minutes to allow any remaining liquid to absorb completely and flavors to meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the manestra warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian or switch to chicken broth for extra depth of flavor.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add Parmesan cheese just before serving to enhance the taste but keep it optional for a lighter dish.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice or quinoa.
- This dish is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated with a bit of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
