Description
Jollof Rice is a vibrant, flavorful, and iconic West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices. Often served at celebrations, it’s a comforting and festive dish loved across West Africa, especially in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice (or basmati rice, if preferred)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup tomato sauce or 1/4 cup blended tomato (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1/2 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Fried plantains or grilled chicken for serving (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- Cook the tomato sauce: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
- Add the spices: Stir in the thyme, curry powder, cumin, paprika, ginger, cayenne pepper, and white pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
- Add the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the tomato and spice mixture.
- Add the liquid: Pour in the broth (or water) and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice while it cooks.
- Steam the rice: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes to steam and become fluffier.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with fried plantains or grilled chicken if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian version. Add more vegetables like peas or carrots for added texture.
- Spicy Jollof Rice: Add more cayenne pepper or fresh chilies to increase the heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: West African, Rice Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
