Red Rice

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 pound diced ham
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen chopped onions
• 1 cup frozen chopped green peppers
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green peppers, celery, and onion (recommended: Hunt's)
• 1 (14-ounce) jar pasta sauce
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 dashes hot sauce, or more if needed
• 1 1/2 cups converted long-grain rice (recommended: Uncle Ben's)

Directions

In a medium saucepot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add ham, celery, onions, and green peppers. Saute until celery is soft, about 5 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients and stir until rice is evenly distributed. Bring to boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.