1️⃣ Sauté base: Heat oil in a wide oven-safe pan. Cook onion and carrot with a pinch of salt 5–6 min until glossy. Add garlic 30 sec.
2️⃣ Veg in: Stir in pepper and zucchini; cook 3–4 min. Mix in tomatoes and peas; simmer 2 min.
3️⃣ Season & rice: Off heat, stir in paprika(s), thyme/oregano, bay leaves, and rinsed rice; coat well. Season with salt and black pepper.
4️⃣ Add liquid & bake: Pour in hot stock/water (liquid should cover mixture by ~1 cm / ⅜ in). Bring to a simmer, cover tightly (lid or foil), and bake at 190°C / 375°F 20 min.
5️⃣ Finish: Uncover, fluff gently, and bake 8–10 min more until liquid is absorbed and the top is lightly caramelized. Rest 5 min. Discard bay leaves; sprinkle parsley and serve.
Total Time
🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 30–35 min
⏳ Total: 50–55 min
Nutritional Value
🔋 Energy: ~290 kcal
💪 Protein: ~6 g
🧈 Fat: ~8 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: ~48 g
🧂 Sodium: ~520 mg
Advice
Rinse rice until the water runs mostly clear—removing surface starch keeps grains separate after baking.
Why it works
Paprika blooms in oil for color and sweetness; starting on the stove jump-starts flavor and heat, while a covered bake steams the rice evenly before a brief uncovered roast concentrates the juices.
Twist
Chickpea power: Fold in 240 g (1½ cups / 8.5 oz) cooked chickpeas before baking for extra protein and a fuller meal.
Status
All the Balkan flavors in one spoon—Đuveč that’s bright, cozy, and completely plant-based. #grannyzen #fastingdish 🍚🌶️
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