Manestra: Greek Tomato & Orzo Soup

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 30 ounces canned tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon crushed dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 6 cups of water
• Feta, optional garnish
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped mint, basil, or parsley

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the onion and olive oil in a...: Place the onion and olive oil in a large pot and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until soft and golden.

2. 2

   Add the garlic and warm through 20-30 seconds...: Add the garlic and warm through 20-30 seconds then add the tomato paste.

3. 3

   Warm through 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Add the pureed tomatoes, water, salt, pepper, oregano,...: Add the pureed tomatoes, water, salt, pepper, oregano, and sugar. Bring to a boil.

5. 5

   Add the orzo pasta and boil for 8...: Add the orzo pasta and boil for 8 minutes. Make sure to stir often. Orzo pasta tends to sink to the bottom of the pot and can burn easily. Cook until the pasta is al dente. It will continue to cook in the hot broth even off of the heat.

6. 6

   Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. 7

   The soup will continue to thicken as it...: The soup will continue to thicken as it sits. Add more liquid if needed and adjust seasoning accordingly.

8. 8

   Garnish with the chopped mint and serve! Enjoy!

9. 9

   Notes: You may keep this soup vegan and...: Notes: You may keep this soup vegan and serve it with some toasted bread. It’s delicious. If you are not keeping it vegan, add some crumbled feta to the serving bowls. The creamy feta makes this soup even tastier!

10. 10

    If you freeze cheese rinds, you may add...: If you freeze cheese rinds, you may add them to the soup along with the tomato puree to add more flavor.