Manestra (Greek Orzo with Tomato Sauce)

Manestra (Greek Orzo with Tomato Sauce)

from skinnyspatula.com
30 min

Manestra is a Greek orzo dish cooked into a delicious tomato sauce and it’s comfort food at its best. Ready in just 30 minutes, this manestra recipe makes a perfect lunch or even a light dinner.

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

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan and sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes over medium heat until softened.

  2. 2

    Stir in the garlic and red chilli flakes and continue to cook for another minute.

  3. 3

    Add the tomato paste, cook for a further minute and then add the red wine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates, then stir in the orzo. Toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.

  4. 4

    Next, add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, sugar and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the orzo is tender. Add a bit more vegetable stock or water if it looks too thick.

  5. 5

    Season to taste and serve immediately with crumbled feta on top if you like.