Ensalada De Arroz (Andalusian Rice Salad)

Directions

1. Felices Pascuas! (Or possibly Happy Holidays if you happen to be in Spain!) The cook & Kitchen Staff at Recipe-a-Day.com will wrap-up this Holiday Season of holiday specialties from around the world with a sampling of Christmas Treats from Spain.
2. We'll start in Andalusia, the southern-most province of Spain, with this lovely cool rice salad.
3. This recipe is an updated variation on traditional Spanish ingredients.
4. Bring 2 c. of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add in the salt and rice, cover and cook slowly for 20-min or possibly till the rice is just tender.
5. While the rice is cooking, make the vinaigrette sauce by combining the extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic and onion. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Drain the pimentos. Cut 6 narrow strips and set them aside. Finely chop the remaining pimentos. Cold the rice slightly. Add in the vinaigrette sauce, minced pimento and parsley. Toss gently.
7. Spoon rice into a serving bowl. When cold, cover and refrigeratethoroughly.
8. Garnish the top of the rice with remaining pimento strips and olives.
9. Serve.