Vegetarian Dirty Rice

I developed this recipe for a friend who is vegetarian (dirty rice normally contains chicken livers and gizzards--ew) based on Paul Prudhomme's recipe (which calls for TWO TEASPOONS of cayenne pepper! I don't think so!) and one I found on allrecipes.com.

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic
2 cups uncooked white rice
2 Knorr vegetable bouillon cubes dissolved in 4 cups water
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. thyme
salt to taste (didn't need much or any because of bouillon)
1 tomato, chopped (optional)

Saute onions and green pepper in oil until onions begin to brown. Add garlic and saute for a minute or so. Stir in rice until grains are coated with oil. Add bouillon-water, spices, tomato (if using), bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook about 20 minutes, until rice has absorbed liquid.