Spanish Rice

Ingredients
1  cup water
3/4  cup chopped green sweet pepper
1/2  cup chopped onion
1/2  cup chopped celery
1/2  teaspoon salt
1  14-1/2-ounce can tomatoes, cut up
3/4  cup long grain rice
1  teaspoon chili powder
1/8  teaspoon black pepper
Dash   ground red pepper or bottled hot pepper sauce
   Fresh red serrano chili pepper (optional)
   Fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan combine the water, sweet pepper, onion, celery, and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.
 
2. Stir in undrained tomatoes, rice, chili powder, black pepper, and ground red pepper or hot pepper sauce. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. If desired, garnish with serrano chili pepper and cilantro. Makes 6 servings.

Source:  Better Homes & Gardens