Serbian Rice with Meat, also known as Djuvec Rice, is a traditional Balkan dish enjoyed in Serbia, Croatia, and other Southeastern European countries. This one-pot meal features tender rice simmered with vegetables, meat, and a rich tomato-based sauce, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish. Its versatility makes it a perfect side or main course, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats and ajvar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal – Everything cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup.
- Rich and flavorful – A delicious blend of spices, tomatoes, and tender vegetables.
- Highly versatile – Can be made with or without meat and customized with different vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Authentic Balkan cuisine – A traditional dish that brings the taste of Serbia to your kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Medium onion, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Medium carrot, diced
- Zucchini, diced
- Peas (fresh or frozen)
- Long-grain rice, rinsed
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes (with juice)
- Tomato paste
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional:
- Minced meat (beef,, or a combination)
- Ajvar (roasted red pepper and eggplant spread) for serving
Directions
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Vegetables
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, carrot, and zucchini.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Optional – Add Meat
- If using minced meat, add it now. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Add Rice and Spices
- Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it is well-coated with the oil and mixed with the vegetables.
- Add the paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Simmer
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, add the peas and stir gently to combine.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Rest
- Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve
- Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
- Optionally, serve with ajvar on the side for an authentic Serbian touch.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian version – Omit the meat and add more vegetables like eggplant or green beans.
- Make it spicy – Add a pinch of chili flakes or hot paprika for extra heat.
- Use different meats – Swap minced meat for chicken, sausage, or even lamb.
- Enhance the flavor – Stir in a spoonful of ajvar while cooking for a deeper taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice.
FAQs
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice works best, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly different texture.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! Djuvec rice tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
What can I serve with this dish?
Traditionally, Serbian Rice with Meat is served with Ćevapčići (Balkan sausages), grilled meats, or a side of ajvar.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use a gluten-free broth, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and add extra broth.
Can I add cheese?
Some variations include a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for extra richness.
What’s the best way to make this more traditional?
Using ajvar, paprika, and fresh Balkan herbs gives the most authentic Serbian flavor.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen peas and mixed vegetables work well in this dish.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking and stir occasionally while it simmers.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding the peas in the last 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Serbian Rice with Meat, or Djuvec Rice, is a flavorful and comforting dish that embodies the rich culinary traditions of the Balkans. Whether served as a main dish or alongside grilled meats, this one-pot meal is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Try this recipe and bring a taste of Serbia to your table!
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Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice)
This Serbian Rice with Meat (Djuvec Rice) is a classic Balkan one-pot dish featuring tender rice, vegetables, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Whether made with minced meat or as a vegetarian version, this flavorful and comforting dish is perfect as a main course or a hearty side. Enjoy a taste of Serbia with this easy, delicious meal!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
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 onion and garlic, cooking until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in bell peppers, carrot, and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Meat (If Using): If using minced meat, add it now and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add Rice & Spices: Stir in the rinsed rice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the rice in the flavors.
- Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Peas: Stir in peas and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with ajvar if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like eggplant or green beans.
- Spicy Variation: Add chili flakes or hot paprika for extra heat.
- Different Meats: Try chicken, sausage, or lamb instead of minced meat.
- Make It More Authentic: Stir in ajvar while cooking for deeper Balkan flavors.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Serbian, Balkan
- Diet: Gluten Free
