Red Beans and Rice Salad

1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic -- minced
several dashes bottled hot pepper sauce
1 cup long grain rice
16 ounces red kidney beans -- rinsed and drained
1/2 cup finely chopped red sweet pepper
1 tablespoon seeded jalapeno pepper -- finely chopped
snipped cilantro -- optional
1/2 cup reduced-calorie Italian salad dressing

Combine broth, onion, garlic, hot pepper sauce, and 1 1/4 cups water in a medium saucepan; bring to boiling. Add rice. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or till rice is tender and liquid is absorbed

Combine rice, beans, sweet pepper, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro, if desired; drizzle with salad dressing. Toss lightly to coat.

Cover and chill.

Serves 4