1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp thyme
1/8 tsp saffron
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup long grain rice
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp coarsely cracked pepper
1/2 cup minced green pepper
1/2 cup minced red onion
1/3 cup seedless raisins
1 small tomato, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped parsley
 

Bring 2 cups water to boil with salt, thyme, saffron and bay leaf. Stir in rice and return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine oil, vinegar and cracked pepper to form a dressing. Drain cooked rice and turn into bowl. Remove bay leaf. Add dressing and toss well with fork. Allow rice to stand 10 minutes, giving it an occasional toss. Add remaining ingredients and toss with fork until well blended. Chill well before serving.