Greek Orzo Casserole with Younger Beef (Youvetsi) – scrumptious and tremendous easy recipe for the Greek Youvetsi. A comforting mixture of meat (lamb, beef and even typically hen), orzo (a rice-shaped pasta, often known as Kritharaki or Arpa), and a wealthy tomato-based sauce, baked collectively in an earthenware pot.
As we speak we’re making a standard and tremendous simple pasta dish of Greek origin. A easy, but delicious dinner meal for the entire household. Ensure that to decide on a great high quality orzo pasta and a younger prime quality meat for the dish, as that is detrimental for the style afterwards.
Behind the Bites
Youvetsi (or Giouvetsi) is a standard Greek dish with deep historic roots in Greek and broader Balkan culinary traditions. It’s recognized for its comforting mixture of meat (often lamb or beef, however in trendy instances hen can be utilized too), orzo (a rice-shaped pasta), and a wealthy tomato-based sauce, baked collectively in an earthenware pot.
It’s believed, the title “Youvetsi” is derived from the Turkish phrase “güveç,” which refers to each the clay pot used for cooking and the dish itself. “Güveç” dishes are widespread in Turkey and the Balkans, highlighting the shared cultural heritage. Over time, Youvetsi grew to become a staple of Greek residence cooking and an emblem of consolation meals. It’s particularly related to residence, custom, and household gatherings.
Components and Substitutions
- Orzo pasta – additionally referred to as Kritharaki or Arpa
- Younger beef meat – or lamb. Alternatively, use hen breast and even pork
- Olive oil – additional virgin
- Tomato paste – or tomato sauce
- Onion
- Seasoning: oregano, bay leaves, sea salt and pepper
- Water
How one can prepare dinner Greek Youvetsi?
1st: In a small pan sauté onions till delicate, switch them to the casserole. Then add within the meat in the identical pan, sauté the meat till it adjustments shade and switch to the casserole with the onion.
2nd: Add orzo pasta, tomato paste, seasoning, water and stir effectively to mix. Cowl with baking foil and bake within the oven till cooked.
What to serve with Greek Youvetsi?
A pleasant mild salad or cream soup is a superb serving concept in my private view:
Greek Orzo Casserole with Younger Beef (Youvetsi)
Sluggish-cooked stew of beef in tomato paste and scrumptious orzo (kritharaki) pasta – baked within the oven to perfection.
Stop your display from going darkish
- 300 g (10oz) orzo pasta, (kritharaki)
- 400 g (14oz) younger beef, reduce in small cubes
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste, heaping
- 1 massive onion, minced
- 1 tbsp. oregano, dry
- 2-3 bay leaves, to be eliminated after cooking
- 800 ml water
- sea salt and black pepper to style
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In a small sauce pan with lid sauté onion till translucent and golden. Switch to the casserole however depart the sauce within the pan.
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Then, in the identical pan add the small cuts of beef and sauté till it adjustments shade and is nearly cooked.
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Subsequent, switch meat with the meat juice within the casserole, add within the water, orzo pasta and the tomato paste. Combine effectively till tomato paste dissolves utterly.
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Lastly, add within the oregano, bay leaves, salt and pepper and provides it a great stir. Cowl the casserole dish with cooking foil and bake within the oven (180C/360F) for about 20-Half-hour, or till orzo and meat are absolutely cooked.
ORZO: Orzo pasta can have totally different taste profile based mostly on the producer. That can inevitably have an effect on the ultimate dish. If potential select actual Greek orzo pasta.
WATER: Relying on the orzo model you could want so as to add extra water. Test half-way although cooking.
PRO TIP: Stir the meal a minimum of twice whereas cooking to stop orzo from sticking to the casserole dish.
VARIATIONS: For a real Greek expertise sprinkle every plate with kefalograviera cheese upon serving.
* Relying on age of meat/orzo model cooking instances might range.
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