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
