GJUWETSCH – Yugoslavian Comfort Food

Gjuwetsch is comfort food at its finest! Today’s recipe comes from a dear friend who remembers this dish as a childhood favorite. Monika’s mother, an ethnic German, lived in Vrsac in Yugoslavia and prepared this dish for her family. While it is often prepared in a large skillet or dutch oven, Monika used her mother’s recipe and updated it. This Serbian version of a Yugoslavian favorite has been adapted for today’s lifestyles.

Many old recipes found in Yugoslavian and German cookbooks do not include meat. The chopped onion is sauteed in the olive oil until softened. then the rice, chopped green pepper and diced tomatoes  and seasonings are added to the skillet. Covered. Simmer on low until the rice dish is done. Here you have a delicious side dish to serve with your favorite meat. Very easy!

Monika updated this recipe and added meat. Put all the ingredients into a crock pot – 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low – and voila! Supper is served. It’s great for busy days.

Today is a writing day for me. So, on days like today, I do not want to forget my family who counts on nutritious home cooked meals from the food blogger in the house. This morning, I prepared and layered the ingredients, set the crock pot on low and only needed to check it once or twice. Perfect when the rest of the day is busy with other commitments. Enjoy!

 

INGREDIENTS:

4 boneless pork loin chops, ½ inch thick or 4 boneless chicken breasts

salt and black pepper

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1-1/2 cups uncooked converted rice

28 oz (796ml) can diced tomatoes

1 medium green pepper, chopped

14 oz (398ml) can tomato sauce

1 cup water or tomato juice

 

METHOD:

1. On a contact grill or frying pan, brown meat on both sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Saute onions in olive oil until softened – about 5 minutes.
3. Spray crock pot with no-stick cooking spray.
4. Then layer ingredients in the crock pot in the following order: onions, ½ diced tomatoes, rice, green pepper, browned pork chops, rest of the tomatoes, tomato sauce
5. Cook on low for 7 hours (or on high for 3 to 4 hours). About half way into cooking time, check to see if there is enough liquid in the pot. If not, add the remaining tomato juice or water.
6. May be served with a dollop of sour cream.

Serves 4 generously.

Tags: easy supper, ethnic Yugoslavian dish, pork chops, rice, slow cooker, tomatoes

Category: Gluten Free, Main Dishes