Giouvetsi Orzo Chicken Greek Style Food

YOUVETSI (TRADITIONAL GREEK ORZO BAKE)

Steps:

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

KOTOPOULO GIOUVETSI ( CHICKEN CASSEROLE WITH ORZO)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450øF.
• Wash chicken and rub outside and inside with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Season skin with salt and pepper.
• Place chicken in a medium-to-large baking pan, preferably glass or clay, and spread orzo evenly around chicken.
• Add remaining oil and other ingredients except cheese and toss in pan to combine.
• Place pan, uncovered, in hot oven and reduce heat to 350øF.
• Bake for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, basting chicken every 10 to 15 minutes with pan juices, until chicken is tender and orzo cooked, adding more water, if necessary, during baking if orzo seems too dry.
• Sprinkle with grated cheese before serving.