Heat 1/4 cup water, broth, or wine in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic.
Cook and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add liquid if necessary during this process.
Add green pepper, tomato, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Cook and stir over low heat for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a bowl.
Heat 1/3 cup water, broth, or wine in the skillet.
Add rice.
Cook rice for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add reserved vegetable mixture and 3 cups water.
Cover tightly and cook over very low heat for 25 minutes.
Check to see if rice is done.
If not, add 1/2 cup more liquid and cook uncovered.
Variation â–  Substitute 1 cup brown rice.
In Step 4 add 3 1/2 cups water.
Cover tightly and cook over very low heat for 40 minutes.
Check to see if rice is done.
If not, add 1/2 cup more water and cook uncovered.