Serbian rice garnish

Serbian-style rice side dish

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

For a delicious side dish that brings a touch of Serbian tradition to your table, I propose a simple and tasty Serbian rice recipe. This recipe is perfect as both a side dish and a main course, rich in flavors and textures.

Necessary ingredients:
- 200 g rice (preferably long-grain rice for a fluffy texture)
- 2 medium onions
- 3 peppers (preferably colorful: red, yellow, and green for a vibrant look)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 smoked sausage (you can also use homemade sausages for an authentic taste)
- 600 ml water or vegetable broth (chicken broth can add extra flavor)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste
- a few sprigs of fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation instructions:

1. Start by finely chopping the onions. They will add a flavorful base to our dish. In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté it lightly until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will enhance the aroma.

2. Meanwhile, chop the peppers into small cubes and slice the carrot into thin rounds. Add them to the pan over the onion and mix well. Let the mixture sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. These vegetables will give color and sweetness to the rice.

3. Add the washed rice under cold running water to the pan and mix everything well so that the rice is coated in oil and the flavors of the vegetables. This is an important step to achieve tender and tasty rice.

4. Transfer the vegetable and rice mixture to a heat-resistant dish. Place slices of smoked sausage on top, which will add a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

5. Pour the water or vegetable broth over the ingredients in the dish, ensuring everything is covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid to retain moisture.

6. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 25-30 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid and cook perfectly. It is essential not to open the oven door during baking to avoid losing steam.

7. After the baking time has expired, check if the rice is cooked. If necessary, you can add a little more liquid and leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.

8. In a cup, mix the tomato paste with a little water, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the rice and let it bake for another 5 minutes. This step will enhance the flavor and add an appetizing color.

9. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Serve the Serbian rice side dish warm, alongside grilled meat or sautéed vegetables. Vary the recipe by adding olives or chickpeas for a different texture. This side dish will surely become a family favorite, bringing a touch of variety to your menu. Enjoy every bite!