Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch squares
  • 1 large carrot, quartered lengthwise and chopped
  • 3 small celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 14 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dill weed
  • 12 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 12 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup long grain brown rice
  • 1 12 cups diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup water
  • 14 cup currants or 14 cup raisins
  • 12 cup toasted pine nuts or 12 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350F Lightly grease an 8 x10-inch baking dish.
  • In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add vegetables, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, dill weed and 1/4 cup parsley, and cook, stirring often, 6 minutes.
  • Add sugar, paprika, salt and rice.
  • Cook, stirring, 1 minute.
  • Add tomatoes, water and currants or raisins; bring to a simmer.
  • Transfer to prepared baking dish; cover and bake until rice is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Toss with pine nuts or almonds and remaining parsley.
  • Serve warm.