FIESTA RICE SALAD

In a large saucepan with a lid, heat the extra virgin olive oil & add the shallots and onions. Stir until softened/translucent then add the garlic. Finally, stir in the rice until well coated/mixed with the oil and onions. Add the broth and stir, once it boils: reduce heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan with a lid. Simmer for ~ 20 mins. Turn off the heat and leave covered for at least another 10 mins so it can fluff up. In a separate bowl: mix in all the vegetables. Before serving, top over the rice and mix in. Other option: add the vegetables to the rice before you add the broth and have them cook with the rice if you prefer everything warm/sauteed. Tip: I add a tiny bit of pickled chopped Spanish red onions to the fresh salsa rice topper for a little kick. I pickle them with white wine vinegar and sea salt.