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.