Manestra – Poor Greek Soup

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 15
Manestra - A nutritious budget recipe to keep you warm in winters
in Soup

Prep

10 min

Cook

70 min

Ready In

80 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1/3 cup olive oil
1 large onion , finely chopped
4 large garlic cloves , pressed
1 teaspoon oregano , dried
2 1/2 lbs tomatoes , chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
8 cups water
1/3 cup orzo pasta
1/3 cup parmesan cheese or 1/3 cup kefalotyri , grated
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ( optional )
1 tablespoon mint , shredded ( optional )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
277
Sugar
6g
Fat
12g
Manestra is a traditional Greek soup that is sometimes referred to as poor man's soup due to its simple ingredients. The soup has been a staple food in Greece for centuries and is often served as a main course during lunch or dinner. Manestra is a relatively easy dish to make and involves the use of few basic ingredients. The soup is made using tomatoes, onions, garlic, oregano, and orzo pasta along with some herbs and spices. Manestra is a perfect winter food that can keep you warm and satisfied. It's also an excellent way to use up any leftover vegetables or pasta in your kitchen. The dish is suitable for vegetarians and can be customized with additional veggies and meats to suit your taste.

Instructions

1.Heat olive oil in a large pot.
2.Add onion and garlic, saute until the onions turn translucent.
3.Add oregano and sauté for a minute.
4.Add tomatoes, salt, and water, bring to a boil.
5.Reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 50 minutes.
6.Add orzo, and continue simmering for 20 minutes until orzo is tender.
7.Add Parmesan cheese or kefalotyri and stir until melted.
8.Add optional cinnamon and mint, give it a stir and then turn off the flame.
9.Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

PROS

Manestra is a budget-friendly soup that is easy to make and tastes great.
The soup is incredibly nutritious and is a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.

It’s a perfect comfort food for those cold winter days and is a complete meal by itself.

CONS

The only downside to Manestra is that it is a relatively high-carb dish due to the addition of pasta.
It may not be suitable for people watching their carb intake.

Although the recipe is simple, it takes some time to prepare and cook the soup.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Manestra is a healthy meal that is low in calories and packed with nutrients. It is a good source of antioxidants that help to boost immunity and protect the body from free radicals that cause damage to cells.
The soup is also good for digestion due to the high fiber content. Studies have shown that the consumption of tomato-based foods such as this soup can lower the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and other chronic illnesses. The soup can also help to reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar levels.

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