Most people’s comfort food is some kind of casserole, mac’n’cheese, or other simple American fare.
Manestra is mine.
Comfort food really is what you grow up eating, and my mom had lots of delicious, simple Greek recipes that I still make when I want something warm, comforting, and non-vegetable based (because what comfort food is made of vegetables?) :-)
This recipe is simple, and I sometimes refer to it as “Greek Chop Suey” – Ground beef or turkey (or lamb, if you want to get fancy) is cooked with onions in a tomato-based broth with orzo, with mint and cinnamon added for a unique Greek flavor.
I know what you are thinking.
Mint and cinnamon?
Really?
Trust me, it works.
Cinnamon is added to a lot of meat-based Greek recipes (have you ever had Cincinnati-style chili? Chili with cinnamon added to it, first made by Greek immigrants in the area). The mint is super unique but subtle and gives the whole thing a great flavor.
You will just have to trust me and go make it for yourself :-)
Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef or turkey with one large diced onion. I used ground turkey for this one- both are delicious!
Once the meat is cooked through, add 1 small can of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste, and the spices.
There isn’t a lot of cinnamon in this dish- only 1/8 teaspoon. For the mint, I use dried spearmint
leaves (I have never tried fresh, but I have a mind to start an herb garden in the spring and will try it later for sure!).
Get a heaping teaspoon of the mint, and put it in the palm of your hand.
Crush the dried leaves when you add it to the pot by rubbing it between your hands as you add it to maximize the flavor of the mint. This part is fun- it kind of feels like I’m making a potion and I actually live in Hogwarts, and I should be saying some kind of spell while adding it.
Stir to coat the meat in the tomato and spice mixture, and add 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, add 1 cup regular or whole wheat orzo (you can find this at Whole Foods or in bulk on Amazon), stir, and simmer on low, covered, until cooked, stirring occasionally (about 20 minutes).
Serve with Romano or parmesan cheese on top. Get second helpings (and thirds) :-)
Here’s the printable recipe for Manestra!
Manestra (simple Greek orzo comfort food)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef or lamb or turkey
- 1 large onion diced
- 8 oz. tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more if needed
- black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 heaping teaspoon dried spearmint or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup orzo whole wheat or regular is fine
- grated romano cheese, fresh chopped mint or parsley, and/or extra-virgin olive oil, for serving optional
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 6 minutes.
- Add the whole can of tomato paste, kosher salt (1 teaspoon), black pepper to taste, ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon), and dried spearmint (1 heaping teaspoon).
- Stir to coat the meat in the tomato paste and spices and cook until tomato paste begins to brown, about two minutes.
- Add the four cups of water; bring to a boil.
- Add orzo (1 cup); stir, cover, and simmer on low, stirring occasionally, until orzo is cooked (approximately 20 minutes).
- Serve with grated Romano cheese and chopped fresh mint or parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Notes
- I recommend using lean ground beef for this. If you use a fattier kind, or with ground lamb, it may be greasy, so I recommend using a spoon to scoop out and discard some of the fat after browning the meat.
- If you use ground turkey, I recommend adding 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the pan when you cook it, since turkey is so lean.
- The provided nutrition information does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. Feel free to calculate it yourself using this calculator or by adding the recipe to Yummly.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
The provided nutrition information is my best estimate and does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information. Feel free to calculate it yourself using one of these tools:
Victoria
Delicious! Only thing I did differently was use a 6 ounce can of tomato paste instead of 8 ounces because that’s what I had and it was still awesome. Super easy to make and very cozy and comforting. Would definitely make it again!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it! It’s definitely a favorite in our house!
Karen Kornichuk
My husband’s parents loved this. They always made Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food when my husband was growing up, so it was great to make something they loved. Thank you!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Bilal Khan
😋🤤
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Courtney Fulton
This was amazing. I needed quick comfort food!!! Soooo delicious.
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Andrea
I love this recipe! Comes out as good as when my yaiya made it!
YUMMY!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Melissa
Any recommendations for side dishes?
Elizabeth Lindemann
I love it with a simple Greek salad! https://www.bowlofdelicious.com/greek-salad/
Hannah
I love this! It’s super easy and delicious. Second time around after reading the comments I thought I’d add garlic, but I really love the subtle flavor as is so I didn’t. I think the secret is really cooking the tomato paste until it gets rich and dark. Perfect cold weather dish!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it! Yes, great point about the tomato paste.
Dawn
Easy and quick to prepare. If pasta can be considered light, this comfort meal is delicious without feeling too heavy. Love the flavor of cinnamon and mint, not overpowering. Absolutely the best comfort meal anytime… a go to favorite!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!