Ingredients

2 cups rice
4 cups water
1/2 tsp salt
8 strips bacon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Rinse 2 cups of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
4. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water.
5. Stir once, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
6. While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Cook 8 strips of bacon in the skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels.
8. In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add 1 medium finely chopped onion. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
9. (Optional) Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
10. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter to the skillet and stir well.
11. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and (optional) 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
12. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and add to the skillet.
13. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and add it to the skillet with the bacon and onion mixture. Stir to combine.
14. (Optional) Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley over the rice before serving.