Black Rice and Garlic Salad

from the kitchen of MaryJo

1 cup Black Rice
1 1/2 cups water
12 cloves Garlic, peeled
1 red bell pepper, diced small
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 cup jicama, peeled and diced small
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Place the rice and water in a small saucepan. Heat to a boil and immediately reduce to the slowest simmer. Cover and simmer until the water is all absorbed, about 20-25 minutes. Set aside to cool. Boil the garlic cloves in a small saucepan of water for just two minutes. Then change the water and boil the garlic two more times. Drain and set aside. In a large mixing bowl stir black rice, bell pepper, onion, jicama, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper. Pour into a serving bowl and decorate the top with garlic cloves.

Yields: 4-5 cups