Savory Soup Rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup of jasmine rice
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt
• pepper
• 1 cup cooked chicken or tofu, cubed (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish