Youvetsi

Youvetsi is a traditional Greek dish featuring tender meat and orzo pasta, all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce. This high-protein version utilizes lean beef and chickpeas for an extra protein boost, making it both hearty and nutritious.

Ingredients

• Lean beef stew meat - 250 grams
• Chickpeas (canned) - 100 grams, drained and rinsed
• Orzo pasta - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Canned diced tomatoes - 400 grams
• Beef broth - 300 ml
• Red wine - 100 ml
• Bay leaf - 1
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese - for serving (optional)

Steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the diced beef. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
5. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, chickpeas, bay leaf, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stir well, and cover again. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
8. Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 40 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in fiber from chickpeas, promoting digestive health.

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