Simple Salsa Rice Side Dish

We were having Taco Tuesday and wanted a quick and easy side dish other than refried beans.  I didn't have any Spanish rice mixes in the house, so this recipe was born.  It is easy and quite tasty.  

1 cup chunky salsa 

1 1/2 cup water

1 Tablespoon butter

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups instant rice

Chopped green onions or parsley to top. 

Pour the first 5 ingredients in a saucepan or large skillet that has a lid.  Stir and bring to a boil.  Add instant rice.  Stir a couple of times.  Remove from heat and cover with lid.  Rice will be ready in 5-8 minutes.  When done, stir and place in serving bowl.  Sprinkle with green onions/parsley.  

Note:  You can toss in a handful of frozen corn kernels when you add the rice to the salsa mixture.