Orzo in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 300 g (1½ cups) orzo
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 400 g (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 80 ml (⅓ cup) olive oil
• 800 ml (3⅓ cups) hot water
• Salt, pepper and basil

Method

1. Soften the onion and garlic in the oil, then add the orzo and stir 2 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes, paste, cinnamon and water. Season.
3. Pour into a baking dish and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once.
4. Rest 5 minutes and add basil.

Tip. The Lenten version of giouvetsi, made without meat.