Description
Serbian Rice with Meat, known as Djuvec Rice, is a flavorful one-pot dish featuring sautéed vegetables, savory minced meat, and tender long-grain rice simmered in a rich tomato broth. This hearty and colorful recipe is perfect for a comforting family meal and can be served with ajvar for an authentic Balkan touch.
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 the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and cook them until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced red and green bell peppers, carrot, and zucchini to the pot. Stir frequently and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Meat (If Using): If including minced meat, add it to the pot now. Cook thoroughly until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add Rice & Spices: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice along with the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the rice and combine all flavors.
- Simmer: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Add Peas: Stir the peas into the pot and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Keep it covered and let the dish rest for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with ajvar on the side for added authenticity and flavor.
Notes
- You can use beef, pork, or a combination for the minced meat depending on your preference.
- Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- Adjust the cooking time if using brown rice or another rice variety.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Ajvar adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, which complements this dish beautifully.
- Make sure to simmer on low heat to avoid burning the rice at the bottom.
