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Serbian Rice and Meat with Vegetables Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews

Serbian Rice and Meat is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breast, aromatic basmati rice, and vibrant vegetables simmered together in a rich tomato and vegetable broth seasoned with smoky paprika and garlic.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 160 g basmati rice
  • 350 g chicken breast fillet
  • 250 g tomato passata (or strained tomatoes)
  • 100 g peas
  • 2 bell peppers
  • 450 ml vegetable broth
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 onion

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or hot paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic cloves. Wash and dice the bell peppers into small pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution in the dish.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast fillets into bite-sized pieces. In a large pan or deep skillet, lightly sauté the chicken until it starts to brown and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit of oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Peppers and Seasonings: Add the diced bell peppers to the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir in the sweet paprika, cayenne or hot paprika, and salt. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
  5. Add Rice and Tomato Passata: Stir in the basmati rice to coat it with the spices and vegetables, then pour in the tomato passata. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
  7. Incorporate Chicken and Peas: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan along with the peas. Gently stir and cook uncovered for another 5 minutes so flavors meld and peas warm through.
  8. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt or spices if needed. Remove from heat and let it rest covered for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to deepen.

Notes

  • Use basmati rice for its aroma and fluffiness; rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.
  • Substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier texture if preferred.
  • The dish can be made spicier by increasing cayenne pepper or adding chili flakes.
  • Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
  • Serving this with a side of fresh salad or yogurt complements the spicy and savory elements well.

Keywords: Serbian rice and meat, basmati rice recipe, chicken and rice, one-pot meal, paprika chicken, vegetable broth dish

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/serbian-rice-and-meat-with-vegetables-recipe/