Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, seeded, ribs removed, and diced
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• One 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, then add the onions, green peppers, and celery and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute while stirring. Add the rice and stir together to mix. Add the tomato sauce and the water carefully. Season with the salt and pepper, and add the cumin, if using. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is done, stirring once or twice.