Macedonian Pork and Rice Casserole (Oris so Svinjsko Meso)
A comforting and savory casserole featuring tender pieces of pork cooked with rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices, baked until golden and delicious.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Pork loin(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 Large onions(chopped)
- 2 Carrots(diced)
- 1 Red bell pepper(diced)
- 3 Garlic cloves(minced)
- 300 g Rice(long-grain, rinsed)
- 750 ml Chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Vegeta seasoning
- 1 tsp Sweet paprika
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add diced carrots and red bell pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, Vegeta seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the vegetables and spices.
- 6
Return the browned pork to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything to combine.
- 7
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- 8
Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the top is lightly golden.
- 9
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the rice is rinsed well to remove excess starch.
- ✓Use good quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the vegetables before adding the rice, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like peas or corn.
- Use different types of pork, such as pork shoulder for a richer flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth.