Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy dish that brings comfort and rich Balkan flavor to your table, look no further than Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice). This beloved classic brings together tender cubes of pork or beef, a medley of colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices all simmered with fluffy white rice in a single pot. Every spoonful delivers warm, savory satisfaction, making it the perfect meal for sharing with friends and family or keeping all to yourself when you want something truly nourishing. It’s no wonder Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) has become a favorite across generations—you’ll fall in love after the very first bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) so marvelous is its straightforward list of ingredients. Each item in this lineup is chosen for the way it builds flavor, texture, and visual appeal—together, they create a dish that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts.
- Olive oil: Gives the dish a silky base and enhances the aromas when sautéing the vegetables and meat.
- Onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth, forming the savory foundation alongside garlic and peppers.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Provides beautiful color and a mild, sweet flavor that balances heartier ingredients.
- Green bell pepper (diced): Offers a fresh contrast and green hue, making the final dish pop with vibrancy.
- Garlic (minced): Brings irresistible aroma and punch, permeating every bite.
- Pork or beef (cut into small cubes): The heart of Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice)—choose your favorite for tender, juicy morsels.
- Paprika: Classic to Balkan cuisine, this spice imparts smokiness and subtle warmth.
- Dried oregano: Adds a gentle herbal note that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Black pepper: Lends just the right edge of heat and complexity.
- Long-grain white rice: The perfect vehicle for soaking up all those savory juices and spices.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Layers in richness and keeps the rice tender and flavorful.
- Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): The tomatoes add acidity, moisture, and a touch of sweetness.
- Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end, peas add vibrancy, pop, and gentle sweetness.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A shower of fresh herbs brings color and brightness before serving.
How to Make Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice)
Step 1: Sauté the Onion, Peppers, and Garlic
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and let it sizzle for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it turns soft and translucent. Next, scatter in your red and green bell peppers along with the minced garlic. The kitchen will fill with a glorious aroma as the vegetables gently soften—after about 2 additional minutes, you’ll have a vibrantly aromatic base that sets the tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Time to add your pork or beef cubes to the pot. Stir them in thoroughly, ensuring each piece gets a touch of that fragrant oil. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally so they become lightly browned on all sides. While browning, sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. These spices mingle with the savory juices, giving Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) its signature warming flavor profile.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Stir the uncooked rice straight into the pot with the meat and vegetables. Let it toast, stirring often, for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step helps the rice absorb all the flavors and keeps the grains beautifully separate in the final dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the broth and canned diced tomatoes with all their juices. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Bring the whole mixture to a generous boil, then immediately drop the heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer quietly for 20 minutes—this is when the rice soaks up the flavors and becomes soft, yet fluffy.
Step 5: Add Peas and Finish Cooking
Stir in the frozen peas, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. The peas will go from frosty to brilliantly green, popping with sweetness, while the rice finishes cooking and any excess liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Rest, Fluff, and Garnish
Remove the pot from heat and give the dish a 5-minute rest (the hardest part is waiting!). This final step lets the rice firm up and become extra fluffy. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, then scatter chopped parsley on top right before serving. Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) is officially ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice)
Garnishes
Finish your Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for something tangy. Sometimes a drizzle of fruity olive oil or a wedge of lemon on the side adds a special touch that brightens up every bite.
Side Dishes
This one-pot wonder pairs effortlessly with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or a basket of warm, crusty bread for sopping up every last bit. If you want to echo the Balkan spirit, serve it with a dollop of creamy yogurt or a side of pickled vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, spoon Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) into a large, beautiful serving bowl and scatter extra parsley or sliced spring onions over the top. Individual bowls topped with a swirl of yogurt and chili flakes also look gorgeous. For a weeknight, pile it onto plates and let the vibrant colors do their work—it’s impossible not to be tempted!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any extra Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This dish keeps its lovely flavor and texture for up to three days, making it perfect for cozy next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) freezes surprisingly well! Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to two months. Be sure to label with the date and portion size to make future meals a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the rice before warming gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally until heated through, and fluff it up with a fork to restore its fluffy, just-cooked texture. The flavors deepen beautifully after a night or two in the fridge!
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of pork or beef?
Absolutely! Chicken works beautifully in Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice). Simply swap in the same amount of cubed chicken breast or thigh in place of pork or beef, and follow the same steps—it will cook up tender and flavorful.
Is this dish spicy?
Traditionally, Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) is very mild, allowing the paprika and natural sweetness of the vegetables to shine. If you like a kick, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or use hot paprika to turn up the heat to your liking.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Leave out the meat and double up on vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a fully vegetarian (and vegan!) meal that keeps all the signature flavors of Djuvec Rice.
What type Main Course
Long-grain white rice is ideal for Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) because it stays fluffy and separate as it cooks. If you prefer, you can use medium-grain or brown rice, though you may need to slightly adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio.
How do I keep the rice from turning mushy?
The key is to use the right amount of liquid and avoid over-stirring as the rice simmers. Keeping the lid on and letting the dish rest at the end before fluffing also helps the grains stay light and distinct—just follow the steps, and you’ll get perfect results!
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) yet, now’s your moment! With its comforting flavor, colorful veggies, and heartwarming aroma, this is the kind of meal that invites you to slow down and savor each bite. Gather your loved ones, simmer up a pot, and let this wonderful Balkan classic earn a place at your table.
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Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Serbian Rice with Meat, also known as Djuvec Rice, is a traditional Balkan one-pot dish that combines tender meat, vibrant bell peppers, and fragrant rice cooked in a savory broth. This gluten-free recipe is versatile and perfect for a comforting main course.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound pork or beef, cut into small cubes
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion until softened. Add bell peppers and garlic, cook for 2 minutes.
- Cook Meat: Add meat, cook until browned. Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in rice, toast briefly. Pour in broth and diced tomatoes with juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 20 minutes.
- Finish Dish: Stir in peas, cover, and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes until rice is tender. Let rest, fluff with a fork, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- This dish is versatile—use pork, beef, or chicken. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Pairs well with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Serbian, Balkan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
