E-Z Tomato Rice Side Dish

Here’s another side dish that easy to “free-style” – meaning tweak it to your personal liking. It’s fast, easy and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, but the tomato flavor packs a punch!

BASIC RECIPE:
1- bag of Boil in Bag rice (regular size, NOT family size bag)
1-15 oz. Can Crushed tomatoes (don’t discard juice)
1/2 cup of chopped green pepper
½” medium onion, chopped

Boil the bag of rice (or cook regular rice). While rice is cooking, lightly saute the onions and green peppers in olive oil (or other cooking oil).

When rice is done, put the rice in a large saucepan and add ½ to a whole can of crushed tomatoes. For a weaker taste, use only ½ can of the tomatoes, for a full-on flavor, use the whole can. When first making this recipe, taste it as you add the crushed tomatoes so you know how much crushed tomatoes YOU prefer. Then add the sauteed green peppers and onions.

Add black pepper and salt to taste. For an extra kick, add a dash or two of hot sauce. Simmer on LOW heat for 5 minutes to 10 minutes for the flavors to draw together. SERVE!

Serves approx. 2-4 as a side dish.

BUT WAIT!!! THERE ARE PLENTY OF VARIATIONS FOR THIS EASY DISH!

HERE’S EVEN MORE WAYS TO “FREE-STYLE” THIS DISH:
– Add a diced FRESH tomato to the basic recipe (gives it a more chunky texture).
– Use a mix of diced green and red or yellow peppers.
– Add more or less peppers and/or onions.
– MAKE IT AN ENTREE: Add leftover cooked sliced sausage or chicken and/or corn.

Frankly, the possibilities are endless. My family loved the base recipe with just an added fresh tomato. But you can tailor it your way and use up some leftover meat and/or vegetables – a good way to extend your food budget!