Purloo

3 sl Bacon; chopped

1 md Onion; chopped

1 md Green pepper; chopped

1 c Thinly sliced okra*

1 Garlic clove; minced

1 c Cooked ham (about 3 oz.)

-- julienned 3 c Cooked rice

1 md Tomato; seeded and chopped

1 ts Dried thyme

1/2 ts Salt

1/2 ts Dried basil

1/8 ts Red pepper flakes

Cook bacon over medium heat in large skillet until brown; drain fat. Stir in onion, pepper, okra and garlic; saute 2 to 3 minutes or until onion is tender. Add ham, continue cooking 3 minutes. Add rice, tomato, thyme, salt, basil and pepper flakes. Heat thoroughly; serve as a side dish or a main dish. *Thawed, frozen okra or fresh celery may be substituted for fresh okra, if desired. Each serving provides: * 353 calories * 12.5 g. protein * 5.2 g. fat * 62.6 g. carbohydrate * 1.9 g. dietary fiber * 17 mg. cholesterol * 711 mg. sodium Source: The Many Nationalities of Rice Reprinted with permission from USA Rice Council Electronic format courtesy of Karen Mintzias