Citrus Rice Salad
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup white rice ( or any rice that you prefer, cooked according to package directions)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 1/2 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp cardamom, optional
Additions:
4 scallions chopped
Jarred roasted red peppers, chopped
small can of mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
Zest of 1 orange
chopped herbs to taste; basil, parsley, chives
Vinaigrette:
Juice on one lime and one lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the rice, onion and green pepper and cook briefly to coat the rice. Add the orange juice, water and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Meanwhile, combine the additions in a large bowl. When rice is done, add it to the bowl. Cool slightly. Add the vinaigrette ingredients and toss to combine.