If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress, this cevap with rice and vegetables recipe is perfect for you. This dish is a fun variation of the traditional cevapi, with tender veal and a colorful mix of vegetables, all cooked together for a hearty, satisfying meal. What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of seasoned veal, the richness of the vegetables, and the deliciously spiced rice, creating a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
For the meat mixture:
- 500g veal (cut into small cubes)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- A pinch of vegeta (optional)
- Water (enough to cover the meat)
For the vegetables:
- 2 carrots (sliced into rounds)
- 2 potatoes (cut into small cubes)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
For the rice:
- 1 cup of rice (washed and drained)
- 1 cup of soup stock (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of butter (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Veal: Start by sautéing the onion in a pan until it becomes soft and golden. Add the veal, cut into small cubes, and sauté with the onions until the meat starts to brown and the juices start to seal in.
Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook it for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Next, add the ground black pepper, salt, paprika, and a pinch of vegeta for extra flavor. Mix everything thoroughly, and then pour enough water to cover the meat. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. Since veal cooks quickly, this step will help tenderize it.Add Vegetables: While the meat is simmering, prepare the vegetables. Peel and slice the carrots into rounds, cube the potatoes, and dice the bell pepper. After the meat has cooked for 10 minutes, add the vegetables to the pot. Check the water level and, if needed, add about one cup of water. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still intact.
Prepare the Paper Parcels: Tear off a piece of parchment paper large enough to fit a serving portion. Spoon about two ladles of the meat and vegetable mixture into the center of the paper. Fold the paper over the mixture and twist it, creating a neat parcel. You don’t need to tie it – just ensure it’s securely closed. This method will help the flavors infuse and keep the vegetables from becoming mushy, which is key to preserving their fresh taste.
Bake the Parcels: Arrange the parcels in a baking tray and add about one cup of water to the bottom of the tray, enough to cover the paper by about two fingers. This will ensure the food stays moist as it bakes. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Rice: While the parcels are baking, you can prepare the rice. In a hot pan, add one tablespoon of oil and toast the rice for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Once the rice is lightly browned, add one cup of soup stock (or water if you don’t have stock) and season with salt, vegetta, and turmeric. Stir the rice to combine the spices and stock, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender. Once cooked, stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the rice and meat parcels are ready, plate everything together. The rice should be fluffy and vibrant from the turmeric, while the meat parcels will have a delicious, savory flavor from the combination of the veal and vegetables. Serve the parcels alongside the rice for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
This cevapi with rice and vegetables recipe is the perfect balance of rich flavors and textures. The veal is tender and juicy, the vegetables stay fresh and full of flavor, and the rice adds a comforting, fragrant base. The method of cooking the meat and vegetables in paper parcels ensures that all the flavors meld together while keeping the ingredients intact and vibrant.
This dish is incredibly versatile, too. You can adjust the spices and vegetables to suit your taste or add other ingredients like peas or beans. Whether it’s a casual dinner for the family or a special meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress.
