Kota me Manestra (Chicken with rice-shaped pasta)

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:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped  
• 2-3 lbs. chicken pieces (enough for 4-6 servings)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1-teaspoon oregano
• 1-teaspoon salt
• 4-5 cups hot water or chicken broth
• 1-pound Manestra/Orzo (3/4 pound if making only 4 servings)
• Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat frying pan and add oil.
2. Brown chicken pieces in frying pan; set aside. 
3. Sauté onion and garlic in same frying pan.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°.
5. Put the chicken, onions, garlic, and carrots in a roasting pan.
6. Combine 2 cups hot water or broth with the tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, oregano, and salt in frying pan; blend well.
7. Add tomato mixture to roasting pan.
8. Bake covered for about 20 minutes.
   1. Variation: Cook on stovetop. Stir orzo frequently to keep it from sticking to bottom of pan.
9. Add 2-3 cups of the remaining water or broth and orzo; mix well with the juices.
10. Bake covered for another 20-30 minutes until orzo is just tender (al dente). Do NOT overcook. *
11. Check after 10-15 minutes. Add more salt and, f necessary, hot water or broth as the orzo cooks.
12. Do NOT bake until dry; orzo should have some sauciness.
13. Adjust seasonings.
14. Serve with Parmesan cheese and dollops of plain, unsweetened yogurt.