Description
A harmonious blend of simplicity and elegance, this Serbian Rice Dish elevates humble rice with fragrant spices and tender grains.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped finely for garnish
- A squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- In a medium pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and bay leaf, stirring to distribute evenly. Allow the spices to bloom for about 1 minute.
- Mix in the rinsed rice, coating it in the aromatic mixture. Pour in the water or broth and salt, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and is tender.
- Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and remove the bay leaf.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Notes
For an elegant presentation, serve the rice in a shallow bowl and garnish with herbs, additional olive oil, and lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Serbian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg