Greek Manestra
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe peeled finely chopped or grated tomatoes
- 1 finely chopped red onion
- 9 ounces medium-sized orzo pasta
- 6 allspice berries
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
- 7 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ¼ cup red wine
- ⅔ teaspoon white sugar
- 2 pints vegetable stock or hot water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- All ingredients ready? Let's begin!
- Heat the oil in a pot then add the onion.
- Sauté for a minute, stirring all the time.
- Add the garlic and cook until that and the onion are both soft and caramelized.
- Turn the heat down a bit and stir in the orzo.
- Cook for 1 minute then stir in the tomato pasta.
- Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Add the wine and cook until it completely evaporates.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the bay leaves, allspice, sugar, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Now add the stock or hot water, a little at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon.
- The orzo will quickly absorb the liquid and it will take about 15 minutes to cook.
- When the orzo is al dente (tender but with a slight bite to it) take the pan off the heat.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- You will see the orzo soaks up more of the sauce and the mixture thickens during this time.
- Serve the Greek menestra warm.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Sodium: 1005mg | Potassium: 488mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1397IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg