Rice Pilaf Like Joe'S Crab Shack - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 2/3 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 1/3 cups white rice (I use jasmine)
1 teaspoon butter
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped red pepper
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Preparation

Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a sauce pan.
Add rice, cover and cook till rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Saute celery, pepper, onion, and 1 t butter till tender.
Stir vegetables into rice.
Remove bay leaf before serving.