Mardi Gras Rice

Submitted By: Marie Delffs

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
• 1 2/3 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces bacon
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1 pint canned tomatoes, chopped and drained
• 1/4 teaspoon leaf thyme
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

Combine water and salt in a heavy saucepan. Add rice and cook according to package directions; drain and set aside.
Fry bacon; crumble and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Sauté onions in bacon drippings until soft.
In a 11/2-quart casserole dish, combine the cooked rice, bacon, onions, tomatoes, thyme, and cheese; mix well. Cover and bake at 350º for 25 minutes.