Mexican Rice (Desmond's version)

Adapted from various sources around the Internet. I add beans, to make it more meal-like, not just a side dish. I don't bother measuring out the onion or pepper. And I use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.

Source: http://southernfood.about.com/od/ricerecipes/r/bl30116d.htm
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, any colour, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 2 large clove garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons cooking oil (vegetable, olive, etc.)
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained

Instructions

In a heavy skillet sauté onion, celery and bell pepper on medium-high heat until softened, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add rice to skillet and cook over until rice has browned slightly. Add tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and broth. Bring to a boil; cover, lower heat, and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Add the beans, continue cooking 5 minutes. Taste and add more salt if needed.