Description
Jollof Rice is a flavorful West African dish made with rice cooked in a seasoned tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, and various spices. This savory, slightly spicy, and subtly sweet dish is a crowd-pleaser that can be served with meats or vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 red bell peppers, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of chopped tomatoes)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
1/2 cup sliced carrots (optional)
1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then set it aside to drain.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften. Add tomato paste, thyme, curry powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and salt. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with the tomato mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Add peas, carrots, or cooked meat 10 minutes before the rice finishes cooking.
- Once the rice is done, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to steam. Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve with grilled chicken, fried plantains, or a side salad. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add fresh chilies or increase the cayenne pepper.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- For a creamy version, you can add coconut milk instead of part of the broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
