Youvetsi (Traditional Greek Orzo Bake)

This authentic Greek recipe for youvetsi combines meat or chicken, garlic, and orzo in a wonderful pasta bake that everyone will love.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr 10 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 576 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups hot water
• 1 pound uncooked orzo pasta
• 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 3 pounds cubed lamb stew meat
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, pureed in a food processor
• 0.5 cup butter
• 0.5 teaspoon white sugar
• 0.5 cup olive oil

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook meat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add pureed tomatoes, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Step 3

Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat and add the orzo. Saute until slightly brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer orzo to a baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Remove meat from the saucepan and place on top of the orzo. Pour tomato sauce evenly over meat. Add hot water. Cover with aluminum foil.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until all water is absorbed and orzo is soft, about 1 hour. If the dish becomes too dry, add more water during baking.