Festive Rice Pilaf

• 1 Tbsp. vegetable or safflower oil
• 1 large onion, minced
• 1 rib celery, minced
• 1 large carrot, minced
• 3/4 c. long grain brown rice
• 1/2 c. hulled sunflower seeds
• 1/2 sweet red pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. minced fresh thyme or 1 tsp. dried
• 2 1/2 c. beef or chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper to taste (if desired)

1. In large, heavy saucepan or pot, heat oil.
2. Add onion, celery and carrot; cook until onion is soft, about 7 minutes.
3. Add rice, sunflower seeds, red pepper, garlic and thyme.
4. Saute another 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Add stock and bay leaf; cover tightly and simmer about 50 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
6. If desired, sunflower seeds may be added at the end of cooking time to preserve crunchiness.
7. Makes about 4 servings.

vegetable, onion, celery, carrot, long grain brown rice, sunflower seeds, sweet red pepper, clove garlic, thyme, beef, bay leaf, salt

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=877763 (may not work)