Manestra (Meat With Orzo)

Grrrrrgh!
Course : Greek
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 4
 

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon oil
1 pound beef or lamb stew meat
2 medium Onions -- chopped
1 cup tomato sauce -- -=or=-
1 tablespoon tomato paste instead
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon spearmint flakes
4 cups boiling water
1 cup manestra -- (orzo)
1 cup grated cheese -- (mizithra!)
 

Preparation:

Heat oil in large saucepan and brown meat and onions for 10 minutes over medium heat. Add tomato, 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. Stir once or twice. Simmer 20 minutes more. Serve hot with grated cheese. From "The Complete Greek Cookbook" by Theresa Karas Yianilios, Avenel Books, New York.