Djuvec Rice

Djuvec  is a hearty Serbian casserole of veggies, meat, and rice that comes together easily with just a few simple ingredients, and will impress your friends as it nourishes them. Serve it for folks coming over, or take it along to a potluck and get ready to collect the compliments.

In Serbia and other parts of the former Yugoslavia, djuvec — properly spelled đuveč — is a layered pork, vegetable, and rice casserole topped with a layer of tomato slices. These bake and caramelize into a heavenly sweetness that drains downwards and infuses the whole dish as it bakes.

Djuvec falls into the category of one-pot meals that are named after the vessel in which they are prepared. Another example is, in fact, the casserole. “Casserole” is the French word for a shallow baking pan. The word djuvec comes from the Turkish güveç, or guvec, a tall, round, earthenware baking vessel — and also a hearty one-pot meal, usually made with lamb or chicken.