Here’s a classic Nigerian Jollof Rice 🍚🇳🇬—a vibrant, flavorful, one-pot rice dish that’s a staple at parties and celebrations.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped (divided: half for sauce, half for frying rice)
- 3–4 fresh tomatoes (or 1 cup canned tomato puree)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2–3 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Optional: cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp for topping
- Optional garnish: fried plantains or sliced onions
Instructions
1. Make the Tomato-Pepper Sauce
- Blend tomatoes, bell pepper, Scotch bonnet, and half the onion into a smooth puree.
- Heat oil in a large pot and sauté the remaining onion until translucent.
- Add the tomato-pepper puree and cook for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the raw taste disappears.
- Stir in thyme, curry powder, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the Rice
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Add rice to the tomato sauce and stir to coat evenly.
3. Cook
- Pour in chicken or vegetable stock.
- Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning at the bottom.
4. Serve
- Fluff rice with a fork.
- Serve with grilled or fried chicken, beef, or shrimp.
- Garnish with fried plantains or sliced onions if desired.
✅ Tips
- For authentic flavor, use parboiled rice instead of regular white rice.
- Some cooks add a little tomato paste for deeper color and flavor.
- Avoid stirring too often while cooking to keep the rice grains separate.
If you want, I can also give you a quick 30-minute Nigerian Jollof Rice recipe that’s perfect for beginners.
Do you want me to share that version?
