Spicy Hillbilly Rice

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 12 c finely chopped onion
• 12 c finely chopped celery
• 14 c chopped green bell pepper
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 tsp black pepper
• 2 c uncooked long-grain white rice
• 4 c tomato juice
• 1 Tbsp chili powder

Directions

1. In a large kettle 4 to 6-quart place olive oil over heat medium-low to medium Add onion celery bell pepper garlic basil salt and pepper Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp Stir frequently Add uncooked rice and stir to blend well Cook for about 2 minutes Add tomato juice and chili powder Stir to blend Bring to a boil reduce heat to low cover and cook until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender Serve with shredded Cheddar cheese if desired Serves about 8