White Rice Pilaf

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/3 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced carrot
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 (10 1/2-ounce) can condensed chicken broth, undiluted
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 1/4 cup diced red or green bell pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Garnishes: red bell pepper stars, fresh parsley sprigs

Preparation

1. Place first 5 ingredients in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
2. Bake at 400° until butter melts. Stir gently until vegetables and rice are coated. Add broth and next 5 ingredients.
3. Bake, covered, at 400° for 50 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Press mixture into a 1/2-cup measuring cup, and invert onto individual plates. Garnish, if desired.