Brown Rice Pilaf

2 cups brown rice
5 1/2 cups water
2 TBSP dried red and green peppers, or 1/2 red, 1/2 green pepper, diced
2 TBSP dried carrots or 1 fresh diced carrot
2 TBSP dried celery, or 2 ribs fresh celery, chopped fine
2 TBSP dried onion, or 1/4 cup diced fresh onion
pinch pepper
2 TBSP chicken or beef boullion, or soy sauce
1 TBSP dried or fresh parsley

Throw all that into a pot. Bring to a boil and then lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it at the last to make sure it does not get too dry. Rice grains will start to split when they are done. Add cooked, cubed beef or chicken to make a full meal. Serving size is 2/3 cup, or 3/4 cup if meat is added.

You can make this in a rice cooker also, using smaller quantities of ingredients. Make sure you add enough water to compensate for the dried veggies, they will absorb quite a bit.

Create a full meal by adding beef, chicken, beans, or other protein.

Best made from BASMATI Brown Rice - in fact, if you are not crazy about the flavor of brown rice, try Basmati Brown Rice - it smells like popcorn when it cooks, but does not taste like it! Rather, it has a light, slightly nutty flavor, much better than either white rice, or standard long grain brown rice. No bitter flavor at all! 

Written by Laura Wheeler, Owner of Firelight Business Enterprises, Inc.