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28 July 2014 By Kenton and Jane 2 Comments

Youvetsi | Greek Lamb Stew With Orzo Recipe

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Youvetsi

In Greek, Youvetsi (pronounced: yoo-VEH-tsee) is a wonderful traditional Greek stew. The meat gets it flavors from the tomato base, cinnamon, and added cheese. The orzo soaks up all the wonderful flavors as well making this dish absolutely amazing.

Youvetsi was one of the first Greek stews we have ever made. Its popularity persuaded us to create a dish that everyone would not only love, but become a go-to lamb based stew.

Jane and I also love making this for people who think they don’t like lamb. This seems to be a dish we’ve “converted” the most people into loving lamb or at least had friends who didn’t favor lamb actually enjoy this meal. The simplicity of Greek cuisine is really shown with this recipe. There aren’t a ton of spices, however everything works to create something delicious.

We think the secret is the slow simmering, allowing the meat to get tender and take in all the wonder flavors and the hint of cinnamon ties it all together.

Youvetsi Center

We’ve made this a few different ways:

  1. We’ve cooked the orzo separate and then added it to the mixture. This gives a lot more liquid to the stew, so you can ladle in the amount you wish to the oven safe dish before placing it into the oven.
  2. We’ve added the uncooked orzo to the meat mixture and cooked it – then added it to the oven safe pan for baking. If doing this, add orzo 10-12 min before the meat is to be done (about 40-45min).

The 2nd way we really like a lot. We felt the orzo took in all the wonderful flavors more than the first method. However, there isn’t a lot of liquid left if done this way, as the orzo absorbs a fair amount of it. We’re okay with that because we prefer less liquid.

Both ways produce an excellent meal, so which ever interest you, we’re positive you’ll have a great experience and a fantastic meal.

Make sure you have all of the appropriate cooking materials before beginning. It may be helpful to visit our store or shop on Amazon using this link. καλή όρεξη!

Youvetsi | Greek Lamb Stew With Orzo Recipe
 
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Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
45 mins
Total time
1 hour
 
A nice hearty Greek stew.
Author: Kenton & Jane
Recipe type: stew
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1lb lamb, cut into squares
  • 1 cup orzo
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1tbsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes, canned
  • ½ cup red wine
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ¼ cup Parmesan
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)
  • Water
Instructions
  1. Heat pan with olive oil.
  2. Add lamb, sear on all sides.
  3. Add onion and garlic.
  4. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, wine, oregano, cinnamon stick, and salt and pepper.
  5. Add enough water to cover meat.
  6. Bring to boil and reduce heat.
  7. Simmer 30-45min, until cooked.
  8. With 10min left, make orzo in separate pan*
  9. Line baking dish with half orzo mixture, add meat mixture, add remaining orzo.
  10. Add 3 ladles of liquid (from meat mixture) to baking dish.**
  11. Top with parmesan.
  12. Bake 350 degrees for 15min.
  13. Serve!
  14. καλή όρεξη (kali orexi – enjoy your meal!)
Notes
*You can add the orzo to the meat pan and cook that way. It will absorb a lot of the liquid however. If done this way, once orzo is cooked, empty contents into baking dish, top with cheese, and bake accordingly.
**Add all of remaining liquid from meat mixture to create a traditional stew.
3.2.2208

 

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Filed Under: All Greek Recipes, Blog, Greek Meat Recipes Tagged With: Greek Beef Stew, greek dinner, greek meat dish, Greek Stew With Orzo, Youvetsi

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Comments

  1. Swirl12 says

    23 January 2014 at 9:44 pm

    So happy up have overcasting your blog, I was searching for Greek stew. I found it! I’m making it as I write. I have put rice instead of orzo thou, so I hope it works out.. And I’m cooking the rice in the soup juices, in the oven. Also just are the pistachio biscuits which are to die for! Can’t wait to try more of your Greek recipes.

    Reply
    • Kenton Kotsiris says

      24 January 2014 at 9:36 am

      Thanks so much 🙂 Let us know how it turns out using rice!

      Reply

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Hi! We’re Kenton & Jane of Lemon & Olives. This blog is dedicated to exploring Greek food and culture, the Mediterranean lifestyle, and traveling Greece. We’ve collected many Greek recipes over the years from Greece and family members, and we’re still learning as we go! This blog is our way of documenting our journey…read more

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