Uncle Louie'S Mexican Rice
["1/2 c. cooking oil", "1 c. long grain rice", "5 cloves garlic, crushed", "1 medium onion, minced", "1/2 green pepper, minced", "2 large cans tomatoes", "1 small can tomato sauce", "1 tsp. cilantro, chopped", "2 Tbsp. chili powder", "1/8 tsp. cumin", "water (hot)", "salt and pepper to taste", "1 lb. cooked, crumbled ground meat, drained (optional)"]
["In a large skillet, saute rice in hot oil, stirring constantly.", "As rice turns gold, lower heat; add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin and green pepper.", "Saute until onion is glazed.", "Add tomatoes, sauce, cilantro, salt and pepper, then add hot water to rice slowly, covering over the top 1/2-inch.", "Bring to a boil; turn down heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.", "Add more hot water during cooking if needed.", "If you choose to add meat, add during simmer stage."]
["cooking oil", "long grain rice", "garlic", "onion", "green pepper", "tomatoes", "tomato sauce", "cilantro", "chili powder", "cumin", "water", "salt", "ground meat"]