Don't wait for special holidays to make this great tasting side dish. It's simple to do, just saute rice, onion, garlic and bell peppers. Then simmer it with tomatoes, water and delicious spices. In about 40 minutes, you will have a great side dish.
1/4 c. bacon grease, hot (or oil, but bacon grease adds more flavor)
2 c. long grain white rice
1/2 c. yellow onion, diced
1 c. chopped red and green bell peppers
7 3/4 oz. can El Pato tomato sauce, yellow can
1 1/2 T. chili powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 t. salt
3 c. hot water
14.5 oz. can Mexican stewed tomatoes
Wash peppers; discard tops and membranes; chop. Peel onion; dice.
Preheat bacon grease; add rice; stir frequently until browned. When almost to the desired color, add in peppers, garlic and onion. Cook until soft and rice is the proper color.
Add water, tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, and stewed tomatoes. Cover; reduce heat to low. Cook about 10-15 minutes, or until rice is tender. Watch for doneness and moisture level. It's possible that more water will be needed towards the end, about 1/4 cup.
8 servings.