Manestra (orzo pasta)

• Ingredients
  
• 1 cup of manestra (orzo pasta, can be found in the pasta aisle)
  
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  
• 1 lb. of beef or chicken pieces
  
• 2 onions, 1 tsp. crushed dry spearmint
  
• 1 cup tomato sauce, or 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
  
• 1 tsp. salt, 4 cups of water
  
• 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
  

• Directions
  
• Chop onion.
  
• Heat oil in large saucepan and brown meat and onions for 10 minutes or so.
  
• Add tomato, seasonings and 2 cups of water.
  
• Cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours or until meat is tender.
  
• Add remaining 2 cups of water and bring to another boil.
  
• Add manestra and stir a few times.
  
• Simmer 20-25 minutes.
  
• Serve with grated cheese.