Manestra (simple Greek orzo comfort food)

Step 1

Brown the ground beef and onion in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 6 minutes.

Step 2

Add the whole can of tomato paste, kosher salt (1 teaspoon), black pepper to taste, ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon), and dried spearmint (1 heaping teaspoon).

Step 3

Stir to coat the meat in the tomato paste and spices and cook until tomato paste begins to brown, about two minutes.

Step 4

Add the four cups of water; bring to a boil.

Step 5

Add orzo (1 cup); stir, cover, and simmer on low, stirring occasionally, until orzo is cooked (approximately 20 minutes).

Step 6

Serve with grated Romano cheese and chopped fresh mint or parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.