Southwestern Rice Salad

1 1/3 c water
2/3 c long grain rice, uncooked
3/4 c green pepper, chopped
1/2 c red onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 pkg frozen corn (16oz), thawed
1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 c peanuts, salted
1/3 c fresh cilantro, minced
2/3 c olive oil
1/3 c lemon juice
1/2 to 1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin

In large saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes or until rice is tender. Rinse rice with cold water and drain. Place in a large bowl.

In a small skillet, saute the green pepper, onion, carrot and garlic in oil until crisp-tender. Add rice. Stir in the corn, beans, tomatoes, peanuts, and cilantro.

In small bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, cayenne and cumin. Pour over rice mixture and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Recipe Submitted by Maurine Christopherson (recipe exchange)