Manestra Poor Greek Soup
Cozy up with a bowl of Manestra, a hearty and humble Poor Greek Soup that’s bursting with Mediterranean charm and flavor. Featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich tomato base infused with garlic, oregano, and sautéed onion, this one-pot wonder is as simple as it is comforting. Perfectly balanced with pantry staples like olive oil, canned tomatoes, and a touch of tomato paste, this budget-friendly classic is an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a culinary getaway to Greece. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a nourishing meal the whole family will love, especially when topped with fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch. Serve it up on its own or pair with crusty bread for dipping to complete your Greek-inspired feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1.5 liters vegetable stock or water
- 200 grams dry orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine, cooking for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Pour in the vegetable stock or water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir in the orzo pasta, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook the soup for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the soup thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1286 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.2 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 7105 mg | 309% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 189.8 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.0 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.1 g | ||
| Protein | 30.1 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 289 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 2701 mg | 57% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
