Here is a wonderful rice dish to serve instead of plain jasmine rice. It is a perfect side for roast chicken. The preparation is a bit unusual because the rice is first cooked the normal way, then baked.

Serves 6

2 c. plain jasmine rice
1 Tbls. tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. fresh crushed garlic
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
a little olive oil for greasing the pan

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cook rice the normal way - measure rice into a pan, add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and cook for about 15 minutes.

As soon as the plain rice is cooked, pour 1 c. water into the pan and stir well with a wooden spoon, mashing the rice a bit. Mix in tomato paste, garlic and salt.

Lightly grease a 9-inch square, nonstick baking pan, and empty the rice into it and then pack the rice down, spreading evenly into the pan. Bake for 15 minutes.