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Authentic West African Jollof Rice Recipe

Authentic West African Jollof Rice Recipe

Authentic West African Jollof Rice Recipe is one of the most loved rice dishes in the world.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine West African
Servings 6 people
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups long grain parboiled rice
  • 4 large fresh tomatoes
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper optional
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 cups chicken stock or water
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 seasoning cube optional

Instructions
  

Blend the pepper base

  • Blend tomatoes, bell peppers, scotch bonnet, garlic and half onion until smooth. This forms the Jollof sauce base.

Heat the oil

  • Pour vegetable oil into a large pot. Heat on medium flame until warm.

Cook the onions

  • Add sliced remaining onion. Fry until soft and light golden.

Add tomato paste

  • Add tomato paste and fry for five minutes. Stir well to remove raw taste.

Add blended sauce

  • Pour blended pepper mix into the pot. Stir and cook for fifteen minutes.

Add spices

  • Add thyme, curry powder, bay leaf, salt, pepper and seasoning cube. Stir gently.

Add stock

  • Pour in chicken stock. Let it boil gently for five minutes.

Wash the rice

  • Wash rice with clean water. Drain well to remove extra starch.

Add rice

  • Add rice into the sauce. Stir slowly so rice coats with sauce.

Cover and cook

  • Cover the pot. Cook on low heat for twenty minutes.

Check moisture

  • If rice is dry, add small water. Cover and continue cooking.

Steam finish

  • Let rice steam for five minutes. Turn off heat gently.

Fluff rice

  • Use spoon to gently fluff rice. Mix carefully.

Rest before serving

  • Let rice rest for five minutes. This improves taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use parboiled rice for better texture.
  • Fry tomato paste well for deep flavor.
  • Do not add too much water.
  • Cook on low heat to prevent burning.
  • Add smoked paprika for smoky taste.
  • Add vegetables for healthy version.
  • Use chicken pieces for protein version.
  • Add shrimp for seafood style.
  • Use coconut milk for creamy twist.
  • Add butter for richer taste.
Keyword Authentic West African Jollof Rice Recipe