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Nigerian Jollof Rice

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Nigerian Jollof Rice is a flavorful West African one-pot dish made with parboiled rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and spices. It’s bold, smoky, and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
  • 4 plum tomatoes
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 1 onion (divided, half for blending, half sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)

Instructions

  1. Blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, half the onion, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet into a smooth mixture.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until soft.
  3. Add tomato paste and fry for 3–5 minutes to remove its raw flavor.
  4. Stir in the blended mixture and cook until thickened and oil separates from the sauce, about 10–15 minutes.
  5. Add thyme, curry powder, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
  7. Rinse rice thoroughly and add to the pot. Stir once, then cover with foil and a lid.
  8. Reduce heat to low and steam the rice for 30–40 minutes, without stirring.
  9. Once the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, fluff gently and add butter if using. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use long-grain parboiled rice to prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust spice level by adding or omitting the scotch bonnet pepper.
  • To achieve ‘party jollof’ flavor, let the rice slightly crisp at the bottom.
  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add mixed vegetables.
  • Jollof Rice tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/nigerian-jollof-rice/