Description
Serbian Rice with Meat, also known as Djuvec Rice, is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish featuring a savory mixture of minced meat, aromatic vegetables, tender rice, and vibrant spices. This comforting traditional recipe simmers the ingredients together to create a satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with ajvar, a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- ½ cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ lb minced meat (beef, pork, or a combination) (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Serving
- Ajvar (roasted red pepper and eggplant spread)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base for the dish.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced red and green bell peppers, carrot, and zucchini to the pot. Stir and cook these vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they soften, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Add Meat (If Using): If you choose to include meat, add the minced beef, pork, or a combination now. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until fully browned. This adds richness and depth to the dish.
- Add Rice & Spices: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the rice with the spices and combine it well with the other ingredients.
- Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the rice and flavors to meld.
- Add Peas: Stir in the peas and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, ensuring a moist but fluffy texture.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This final step helps the rice fully absorb flavors. Fluff with a fork, garnish with the chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm with a side of ajvar if desired.
Notes
- Use either vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- The minced meat is optional, making this dish easily adaptable for vegetarians when omitted or substituted with plant-based alternatives.
- Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch for fluffier results.
- Ajvar adds a delicious smoky flavor that complements the dish perfectly but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Covering the pot while simmering prevents losing moisture, so be sure to keep the lid on during cooking.
