Red Rice Recipe

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a 4-qt pot over medium heat.
2. Add the ham, onions, celery, and green peppers and cook until the vegetables are wilted.
3. Add the tomatoes, tomato puree, salt, pepper and chili powder.
4. Lower the heat to simmering and simmer, covered 30 minutes.
5. Measure the sauce and, if necessary, add enough water to bring the volume to 5 cups.
6. Stir the rice into the liquid and heat to boiling.
7. Reduce the heat to very low and cook, covered, until the rice is tender about 45 minutes.
8. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.
9. Check the seasonings and add hot sauce to taste.