If you’ve ever found yourself searching for pure comfort in a bowl, look no further than Manestra. This Greek classic is like a joyful hug: silky orzo simmered in a tomato-rich broth, fragrant with cinnamon and oregano, and finished with a satisfying sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. Every spoonful is hearty and bursting with Mediterranean warmth, making it a perfect weeknight main or a soulful side. Whether you want to recreate childhood memories, please a crowd, or simply cozy up at home, Manestra never fails to satisfy and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create the unmistakable flavor and texture of Manestra. Each ingredient plays its part: from the rich olive oil to the aromatic spices and that telltale tomato broth. Here’s what you’ll need—and why every item counts:
- Olive oil: For richness and depth; the best foundation for sautéing those fragrant veggies.
- Onion: Brings gentle sweetness and a soft texture that melts into the stew.
- Garlic: Adds irresistible aroma and classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Orzo pasta: The star ingredient, giving Manestra its signature silky bite and heartiness.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Forms a savory, flavorful base for simmering the orzo.
- Crushed tomatoes: Imparts vibrant color and tangy richness to the broth.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings fresh and earthy notes.
- Ground cinnamon: The secret touch—just a hint offers depth and a little intrigue.
- Salt and pepper: Brings all the flavors into balance.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For creaminess and a savory finish if you want a little extra richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Lifts everything with a burst of color and freshness at the very end.
How to Make Manestra
Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it’s softened and translucent, which should take about five minutes. The onions are the first wave of flavor; let them sweeten and melt down before adding anything else. Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute. Don’t rush this step—these aromatics set the tone for the whole Manestra.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Pour the orzo straight into the pot and stir well so it gets coated with the olive oil and all those gentle onion and garlic flavors. Toasting the orzo is a simple trick that deepens that nutty flavor and keeps the pasta from turning mushy during simmering. It only takes a minute or so but makes a big difference!
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Tomatoes
Add the chicken or vegetable broth and the can of crushed tomatoes, stirring everything together until it’s well blended. Now sprinkle in the oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper—you’ll instantly smell the transformation. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let your Manestra cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then so the orzo doesn’t stick and soaks up all that luscious broth.
Step 4: Finish and Rest
When the orzo is tender and the mixture has thickened to a stew-like consistency, take it off the heat. Let it sit uncovered for about five minutes; this makes it even silkier as it absorbs the last bit of broth. At this point, you can stir in the grated Parmesan if you’re using it. This step is optional, but it brings a lovely savory finish to the Manestra.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, ladle your Manestra into warm bowls and scatter plenty of fresh parsley over the top. The parsley brightens the whole dish, making every spoonful that much more inviting. Serve immediately while it’s steaming and creamy for the most comforting experience.
How to Serve Manestra
Garnishes
Manestra loves a flourish: chopped fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can also try a smattering of extra Parmesan for more richness, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even some cracked black pepper for a little kick. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a few fresh mint leaves are lovely twists if you want something different!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad, warm crusty bread, or even roasted vegetables for a little extra heft. If you’re serving Manestra as a side, it’s wonderful next to roast chicken, grilled fish, or a platter of mezze. Its friendly flavor works as the star or as a team player.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful, dinner-party vibe, serve Manestra in individual bowls or mugs for cozy portions. You can also spoon it into a shallow platter and top with extra herbs, then set it out as part of a buffet. Leftovers are fantastic scooped into hollowed bell peppers and baked for a fun and filling twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Manestra is a lifesaver for meal prep! Simply cool the leftovers to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The orzo will continue to soak up the broth, becoming thicker and more stew-like, but that makes it even more satisfying the next day. It keeps well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to stash away some comfort for later, let your Manestra cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will freeze nicely for up to a month. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating—you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Manestra gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a touch of broth or water if it seems too thick. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave—just be sure to stir halfway through and check that it’s heated evenly. Garnish with a little fresh parsley before serving again.
FAQs
Can I make Manestra vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and skip the Parmesan cheese or opt for a dairy-free alternative. You can even stir in some nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without animal products.
What vegetables can I add to my Manestra?
This dish is incredibly flexible. Add diced zucchini, chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even a handful of spinach. Sauté firmer vegetables along with the onion to give them time to soften.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking or becoming mushy?
Be sure to stir the Manestra frequently as it simmers, especially in the last few minutes. Toasting the orzo before adding the broth helps keep its texture spot-on. If you prefer it more soup-like, simply add an extra splash of broth.
Can I use another type Main Course
Orzo is traditional for Manestra, but if you can’t find it, small pasta shapes like pastina or rice-shaped noodles work in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas absorb liquid differently.
Is Manestra served as a main or a side?
The beauty of Manestra is its versatility. Serve it as a hearty main course all by itself, or nestle it next to a protein as a flavorful side. It’s a staple for casual family dinners and elegant gatherings alike.
Final Thoughts
Give Manestra a spot on your dinner rotation and let it surprise you with how much flavor and comfort can come from such humble ingredients. You’ll love its cozy simplicity—and you might just find yourself making it again and again, for special occasions or just a Tuesday night!
Print
Manestra Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Manestra is a comforting Greek orzo stew with a flavorful tomato base. This vegetarian dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredients:
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add orzo and liquids: Stir in orzo, broth, crushed tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and the stew thickens.
- Finish: Let sit for 5 minutes off heat to thicken further. Stir in Parmesan if using. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and omit Parmesan. Add diced vegetables for extra texture and nutrition.
- Leftovers can thicken—add some water or broth when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
