Red rice is the handiest sort of dish to have in your repertoire because it goes so well with most main meat dishes, whether it is barbecued chicken or meat, ham, or roasted meat.

Ingredients

2 to 4 strips bacon
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red or green pepper, chopped
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 1/2 cups water
2 tsp. sugar, optional
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup long-grain rice
2 Tbs. chopped parsley, optional

Directions

Cut bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Put into heavy saucepan with lid. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp. Remove bacon and reserve.

Add onion and green pepper. Saute for 2 minutes. Add tomato paste, water, sugar, if used., salt, black pepper and rice. Blend well. Heat to boiling.

Cover and steam for 20 to 25 minutes or until rice has absorbed all the liquid.

Sprinkle with reserved bacon and chopped parsley. Serve immediately or cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

Comments

Good served with Baked ham, buttered broccoli, green salad and fresh fruit for dessert.

Red rice is best when served immediately after cooking. However, it does reheat well in the microwave oven. Place in a glass or ceramic, non-metallic dish, cover and reheat.