Authentic West African Jollof Rice Recipe
Jollof Rice Recipe is a culinary gem from West Africa that promises to add vibrant colour and rich flavour to your dining table. This spicy and hearty dish is perfect for any gathering, making it a favourite among food enthusiasts. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, Jollof Rice brings a taste of West African tradition to every bite.
History:
Jollof Rice is deeply rooted in West African culture, with its origins linked to the Wolof people of Senegal. Over time, it has become a cherished dish across the region, leading to the playful “Jollof Wars” between Nigeria and Ghana, as each country claims their version is the best.
Serving Suggestions:
Jollof Rice is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with grilled chicken, fried plantains, or a fresh green salad. For a more traditional approach, enjoy it with some spicy suya (grilled skewered meat) or moi moi (steamed bean pudding).
Storing Instructions:
Store any leftover Jollof Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. If you wish to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Be sure to label your containers with the date to keep track of their freshness.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat Jollof Rice, transfer it to a pot and add a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent it from drying out. Cover the pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave by placing it in a microwave-safe dish, adding a bit of water or stock, covering it loosely, and heating on medium power until hot.
Conclusion:
We hope you enjoy making and eating this Jollof Rice as much as we do! Share your experience with us in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and culinary tips.
How to Make Jollof Rice
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Authentic West African Jollof Rice Recipe
Description
A vibrant and flavorful West African dish, Jollof Rice features long-grain rice simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, infused with a blend of aromatic spices. Perfectly garnished with fresh parsley, this beloved meal pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and fried plantains, making it a favourite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preparing the Tomato Base:
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Blend Ingredients
Blend the canned tomatoes, red bell pepper, half of the red onion, garlic cloves, ginger, and habanero chili until smooth. Set aside.
Cooking the Jollof Rice:
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Heat the Oil
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
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Add Blended Tomato Base
Pour in the blended tomato mixture. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and the oil begins to separate from the tomato mixture, about 15-20 minutes.
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Season
Add the ground turmeric, smoked paprika, dried thyme, curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Add Rice and Stock
Stir in the rinsed rice until it is well coated with the sauce. Add the chicken stock, bay leaves, and bring to a boil.
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Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Finish
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced tomato and butter (if using). Cover the pot and let it sit off the heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Serving:
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Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Equipment
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- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- Calories from Fat 90kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin A 2000 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin E 3 IU
- Vitamin K 15 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less habanero or scotch bonnet chili.
- For a smokier flavour, add more smoked paprika or a smoked chili.
- Adding butter at the end provides a richer taste.
- Stir the rice occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and skip the meat-based sides for a fully vegetarian meal.
Long-grain rice is preferred for its ability to absorb the flavours well while maintaining a fluffy texture.
Yes, you can use any chili that you prefer or have on hand. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
Stir the rice occasionally while it simmers and make sure to use a pot with a thick bottom to ensure even heat distribution.
Definitely! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers can enhance the dish's flavour and nutritional value.
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Fiona O'Sullivan
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