Description
Serbian Rice with Meat, also known as Djuvec Rice, is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish combining sautéed vegetables, minced meat, and tender long-grain rice cooked in a rich tomato broth. This traditional Balkan recipe is perfect for a comforting meal and can be served with ajvar for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 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)
Main Ingredients
- 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)
Garnish & 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. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add diced red and green bell peppers, carrot, and zucchini to the pot. Stir thoroughly and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften while retaining some bite.
- Add Meat (If Using): If you opted for minced meat, add it to the pot now. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink.
- Add Rice & Spices: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice along with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the spices and flavors from the vegetables and meat.
- Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and broth. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- Add Peas: After the initial simmer, stir in the peas. Continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and settle. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm. Accompany with ajvar if desired.
Notes
- You can use any combination of minced beef and pork, or omit meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky.
- Use fresh or frozen peas depending on availability—both work well.
- If ajvar is unavailable, roasted red pepper spread or a simple side salad can complement the dish nicely.
- Adjust the salt and paprika seasoning according to taste preference.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Serbian, Balkan
