Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe
This iconic dish is a star of Nigerian cuisine, loved by locals and food enthusiasts around the world. With its vibrant colors and bold spices, Nigerian Jollof Rice is a true feast for the senses.
Servings 4 People
Calories 393kcal
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-grain rice
- 2 medium-sized Ripe Tomatoes
- 2 medium-sized Bell peppers (1 red, 1 green)
- 2 medium-sized Onions (1 for blending, 1 for garnish)
- ¼ cup Vegetable oil
- 3 cups Chicken or beef stock
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Grated ginger
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (seeds removed and finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 2 Bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 2 cubes Seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing the rice thoroughly and setting it aside. Blend the tomatoes, one onion, and one bell pepper until smooth.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the remaining sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour in the blended tomato mixture and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the raw taste of the tomatoes has mellowed.
- Add the grated ginger, chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, curry powder, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and seasoning cubes to the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken or beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the washed rice to the pot and stir gently to ensure all the grains are coated with the sauce. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and garnish with sliced onions and bell peppers. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Nigerian Jollof Rice
- Use long-grain rice for the best results. Basmati or jasmine rice can also be used for a fragrant twist.
- To add extra flavor, you can marinate the meat (chicken or beef) with spices before cooking and then use the stock from cooking the meat in the Jollof Rice.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the rice.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Cooking the rice slowly on low heat allows the flavors to develop and ensures that each grain is perfectly cooked.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to the Jollof Rice.
Nutrition
Serving: 192g | Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 5.4g | Fat: 15g