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.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable stock or water and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Stir in the orzo pasta, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 7

Cook the soup for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the soup thickens slightly.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2272.4 grams (2272.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1286

Total Fat 43.20g	55%
Saturated Fat 7.60g	38%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.10g
Cholesterol 8mg	3%
Sodium 7105mg	309%
Total Carbohydrate 189.80g	69%
Dietary Fiber 21.00g	75%
Total Sugars 30.10g
Protein 30.10g	60%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 289mg	22%
Iron 8mg	46%
Potassium 2701mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.7%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 59.9%