Brown Rice, Tomatoes and Basil

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice (white rice is ok too)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 cup Champagne or rice wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon good olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound ripe tomatoes, large-diced
• 1 cup packed basil leaves (1 large bunch), chopped

Directions

Bring 2 1/4 cups water to a boil and add the rice and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Return to a boil, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed. Transfer the rice to a bowl.

Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, olive oil, remaining teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Pour over the rice. Add the tomatoes and basil. Mix well and check the seasonings. Serve at room temperature. I have served this chilled too and it is great!