Tomato Rice Salad

My mom makes this for picnics and it usually is a hit! I love the different flavors in this recipe! If you like more spice, add essence or cayenne pepper or even minced jalapeno!

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1  cup long-grain rice
• 1  teaspoon salt, divided
• 6  tablespoons lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon ground cumin
• 1  teaspoon  spice essence or 1  teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1  small  diced  jalapeno (optional)
• 1  clove garlic, minces
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  medium fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1  large cucumber, peeled,seeded and diced
• 1  medium bell pepper, diced (red/green or yellow)
• 1  cup green onion, sliced
• 1  cup radish, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Bring water to a boil, stir in rice and 1/2 tsp salt.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 20 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
3. Remove from heat and let stand, covered 5 minutes.
4. While rice is cooking, combine remaining 1/2 tsp. salt, lemon juice, cumin, garlic and olive oil.
5. Stir into hot cooked rice.
6. Chill for 30 minutes.
7. Add remaining ingredients and chill several hours before serving.