Manestra (Meat With Orzo) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil
1 lb beef stew meat or 1 lb lamb stew meat
2 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 orzo pasta (manestra)
1 cup grated mizithra cheese

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 (orzo).
Stir once or twice.
Simmer 20 minutes more.
Serve hot with grated cheese.