Savoury Chicken and Rice Casserole

This is our evening meal tonight. A family favourite and very reasonable on the pocket. This quantity feeds five very hungry adults. I use the cheapest supermarket brand of savoury rice about 29p a pack.

1 medium onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 courgettes or a small aubergine,chopped
2 cloves garlic
600g chopped chicken thigh meat or breast if you prefer
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 sachets of savoury rice
750ml chicken or vegetable stock
1-2 tablespoons sunflower or rapeseed oil

Have ready a deep roasting dish and preheat the oven to 190C/gas mark 5.
1.Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onions gently adding the pepper, aubergine and garlic after a few minutes.
2.Place the fried vegetables in a deep roasting pan or casserole dish and place to one side.
3.In the same pan add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with the turmeric and cumin, season with a little salt if you wish and fry until sealed all over.
4.Stir the meat into the vegetables.
5.Pour the rice evenly over the meat and vegetables.
6.Add the stock pouring it over the surface of the meat and vegetables and stir well.
7.Cover with foil and bake in for about 25-30 minutes checking the liquid levels after about 20 minutes,adding a little more water or stock as necessary.
8.When the rice is tender serve with sweetcorn and a green vegetable.
If you like it a bit spicier, add 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes and 1 teaspoon medium curry powder.