*Lamb With Orzo(Ghela Cu Manestra)
A hearty Mediterranean dish featuring tender lamb or beef simmered with onions and tomato, combined with orzo and topped with cheese for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan and brown meat and onions for 10 minutes over medium heat.
- Add tomato sauce, seasonings, and 2 cups water. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours until meat is tender.
- Add remaining water and bring to a boil.
- Add manestra (orzo). Stir once or twice.
- Simmer for 20 minutes more.
- Serve hot with grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the meat overnight in the tomato sauce and seasonings. If you don’t have orzo, any small pasta like ditalini or acini di pepe can be a great substitute. To thicken the sauce, you could also blend in some cooked lentils. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the lamb. For a Mediterranean twist, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or pairing it with a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of *Lamb With Orzo(Ghela Cu Manestra) contains roughly 1481 calories, with 32g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 137g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2119mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of lamb for this recipe?
Yes, chicken works well in this recipe. Use boneless pieces for quicker cooking, or bone-in for added flavor. Adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
What can I do if I don’t have tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, using crushed tomatoes or pureed canned tomatoes is a great alternative. You can also mix in some tomato paste with water to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when browning the meat. You could also serve it with a side of spicy harissa or hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).