Simple Spanish Rice (Jednostavno Španski Stil Pirinač)

We use Success Boil-In-Bag rice for convenience and quick cooking. Any brand will do. It is already measured and you can use more than one bag. My paternal grandmother made this all the time whenever she served pork chops or pljeskavica.

2 bags Boil-In-Bag Rice
1 small green pepper, seeded and chopped
1 small onion chopped fine
1 small can tomato paste
salt & pepper to taste
sugar (optional)

Cook the rice according to directions on the package. In the mean time, sauté the green pepper and onions in a little bit of oil until they are soft and translucent. Empty the pouches into the pot that you cooked the rice after draining the water. Stir in the can of tomato paste and green peppers with onions. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you think it is too acidic in taste from the tomato paste, add a little sugar. If you want it a little spicy, put some hot pepper flakes or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce in it. You can also serve it as is, and have the pepper flakes or hot sauce available on the table.

NOTE: You can use regular rice like Uncle Ben's just measure and cook according to directions on the package.