Kota me Manestra Delicious, tender chicken, baked in a tomato sauce seasoned with a hint of cinnamon. Add the distinctively shaped pasta called “manestra” for a wonderful taste treat. |
Ingredients:
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1 onion, chopped
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2-4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, chopped
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2-3 lbs. chicken pieces (enough for 4-6 servings)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 6-ounce can tomato paste
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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¼ teaspoon allspice
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1-teaspoon oregano
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1-teaspoon salt
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4-5 cups hot water or chicken broth
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1-pound Manestra/Orzo (3/4 pound if making only 4 servings)
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Pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat frying pan and add oil.
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Brown chicken pieces in frying pan; set aside.
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Saute onion and garlic in same frying pan.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
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Put the chicken, onions, garlic, and carrots in a roasting pan.
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Combine 2 cups hot water or broth with the tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, oregano, and salt in frying pan; blend well.
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Add tomato mixture to roasting pan.
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Bake covered for about 20 minutes. *
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Add 2-3 cups of the remaining water or broth and orzo; mix well with the juices.
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Bake covered for another 20-30 minutes until orzo is just tender (al dente). Do NOT overcook. *
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Check after 10-15 minutes. Add more salt and, f necessary, hot water or broth as the orzo cooks.
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Do NOT bake until dry; orzo should have some sauciness.
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Adjust seasonings.
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Serve with Parmesan cheese and dollops of plain, unsweetened yogurt.
*Variation:
Cook on stovetop. Stir orzo frequently to keep it from sticking to bottom of
pan.
