Greek Manestra

How to make Greek Manestra.

Ingredients: Serves 4

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz orzo pasta
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• salt
• pepper
• 4 cups water
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Method:

1. Brown the beef in a dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat, for about 6 minutes, breaking up the the beef as it cooks.
2. Add the onion and garlic.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, for about 4 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
5. Cook while stirring until well mixed and the tomato paste starts to brown, for about 2 minutes.
6. Pour in the water and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any stuck on bits.
7. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in the orzo and place the lid back on the pot.
9. Simmer on low heat until the orzo is tender, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan.