Baked rice Stew ( Djuvece)

This recipe is from 1967 Kansan`s Silver Spoon Cookbook and I have not tried it as veal, lamb is pretty expensive in this area of the country or rather I say World.

Baked Rice Stew ( Djuvece)
Mrs. Mildred Stovovich

1 pound veal, cut in small pieces
1 pound lamb, cut in small pieces
1 pound pork, cut in small pieces
6 large chopped onions
3 pounds fresh tomatos, peeled and sliced ( reserve a few slices)
8 yellow sweet peppers, cut in rings
1 cup raw rice
1 small eggplant, cubed , optional

Fry meat until nicely braised in hot fat. Remove meat and set aside. Put onions and rice in pan and fry until onions are soft. ( Watch that rice does not burn) Add tomatoes, pepper rings , eggplant, 1 Tablespoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Replace meat and stir to blend thoroughly. Add 1 1/2 cups water. Pour mixture into deep roasting pan and place a few tomato on top of mixture. Bake 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees, or until rice is fluffy and meat is tender.