Rice Pilaf

Our meals usually consist of a main dish and a veggie on the side.  It seems like I am always on the lookout for alternative side dishes.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I love veggies as a side dish, but sometimes I just need something different.

In my weekly meal planning I came across a recipe for rice pilaf.  Are you wondering what pilaf is?  Don't worry, even I had to look it up.  I mean I see it all the time, but I really had no idea what it was.  Ha :)  Definition of pilaf - "A steamed rice dish often with meat, shellfish, or vegetables in a seasoned broth."  So now you know.  Anyway, moving on....

I made this side dish, changing it up a bit, since the original recipe called for mushrooms (one of the only  things I won't eat) and celery (something my younger kids refuse to eat) and I switched it up for onion and green bell pepper.

The kids loved it.  I would say the only downfall was that this recipe doesn't make very much.  Next time we will double the recipe.

Rice Pilaf
1/2 c chopped onion
1/4 c chopped green bell pepper
1 tsp minced garlic
1 TBSP butter
1 1/2 c water
3/4 c long grain rice
2 chicken bullion cubes
4 slices, bacon, cooked crisp, and crumbled  (could also use pre-cooked)

In a saucepan cook onion, pepper, and garlic in butter until tender but not burned.  Carefully stir in water, uncooked rice, and bullion cubes.   Bring to boil, then reduce heat.  Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.  Stir in crumbled bacon.  (Makes 4 side-dish servings)