Description
Serbian Rice with Meat, also known as Djuvec Rice, is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender long-grain rice simmered with a medley of vibrant vegetables, savory minced meat, and aromatic spices. This comforting meal combines ingredients like bell peppers, zucchini, peas, and tomatoes, resulting in a rich, satisfying dish garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect as a main course, it can be served alongside traditional ajvar for an authentic Serbian experience.
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 gently until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced red and green bell peppers, carrot, and zucchini to the pot. Stir and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still retain some texture.
- Add Meat (If Using): Incorporate the minced meat now if desired. Cook thoroughly until browned and crumbled, stirring frequently to break apart meat evenly.
- Add Rice & Spices: Stir in the rinsed long-grain rice along with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the rice is fully coated with the spices and melds 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 heat to low. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and liquid.
- Add Peas: Stir in peas, then continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the pot from heat and keep covered for 10 minutes to let the flavors settle and the rice finish steaming. Fluff the rice using a fork, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot. Optionally accompany with ajvar for enhanced traditional flavor.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents the dish from becoming too sticky.
- The minced meat is optional; omit for a vegetarian version or substitute with plant-based mince.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the broth used.
- Ajvar is a traditional Serbian side that complements the dish perfectly but is optional.
- You can use either vegetable or chicken broth, depending on dietary preferences.
- Covering the pot during simmering is crucial to cook the rice evenly and retain moisture.
