Name: Serbian Rice Meat: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Serbian
Ingredients: 160 g Basmati rice; 250 g strained tomatoes; 100 g peas; 2 peppers, diced; 450 ml vegetable stock; 350 g chicken breast fillet, cut into 1cm pieces; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot paprika; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, diced

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Serbian Rice Meat dish is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious blend of tender chicken, soft rice, and vibrant vegetables. The mix of sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic creates a savory depth of flavor, while the vegetable stock ensures the rice is cooked perfectly, absorbing all the delicious juices. It’s a satisfying, gluten-free meal that comes together quickly and is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Serbian Rice Meat:

160 g Basmati rice
250 g strained tomatoes
100 g peas
2 peppers, diced
450 ml vegetable stock
350 g chicken breast fillet, cut into 1cm pieces
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced

(Tip: You can substitute the chicken breast with thighs for a juicier alternative.)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic.
Cut the peppers into small cubes.
Cut the chicken breast fillets into 1cm pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add the diced peppers and chicken pieces to the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add the Spices and Rice

Add the salt, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper (or hot paprika), and minced garlic. Fry for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the basmati rice, peas, strained tomatoes, and vegetable stock. Mix everything well.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for about 14 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the stock. Make sure the rice is tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or spices if you desire.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Serbian Rice Meat warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 3 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a chopped fresh chili for a spicier version.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a pan with a splash of water or vegetable stock to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use another type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute basmati rice with jasmine rice or any other long-grain rice. Keep in mind that cooking times and liquid amounts may vary slightly depending on the rice you use.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the refrigerator, and the flavors develop even more as it sits. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat before serving.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and add more flavor, so they are a great alternative.

Can I freeze Serbian Rice Meat?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove with a little extra stock or water.

Conclusion

Serbian Rice Meat is the perfect dish for a quick, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory spices makes it a delicious and satisfying dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for yourself, this easy-to-make dish will leave you full and satisfied. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Serbian classic!

Serbian Rice Meat: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal

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Serbian Rice Meat is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and vibrant vegetables, seasoned with sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic. This quick and easy dish offers a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Serbian

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic.
- Cut the peppers into small cubes.
- Cut the chicken breast fillets into 1cm pieces.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the diced peppers and chicken pieces to the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Spices and Rice:
- Add the salt, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper (or hot paprika), and minced garlic. Fry for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the basmati rice, peas, strained tomatoes, and vegetable stock. Mix everything well.
Simmer and Cook:
- Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for about 14 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the stock. Make sure the rice is tender and fluffy.
Final Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or spices if you desire.
Serve:
- Serve the Serbian Rice Meat warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!