Jollof Rice [Nigerian Style]

 

Jollof Rice [Nigerian Style]

Jollof Rice is a beloved West African one-pot dish made with rice simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce and fragrant spices. It's vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Serve: 2

INGREDIENTS

ü  1 cup long grain parboiled rice (washed & drained)

ü  2 medium tomatoes (blended)

ü  2 tbsp tomato paste

ü  1 small onion (sliced)

ü  1 red bell pepper (blended)

ü  1 scotch bonnet chili (optional, blended)

ü  1 garlic clove (minced)

ü  1/2 tsp thyme

ü  1/2 tsp curry powder

ü  1 seasoning cube (e.g., Maggi)

ü  Salt to taste

ü  2 tbsp vegetable oil

ü  1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or water)

Tools & Equipment

o   Cooking pot with lid

o   Blender

o   Wooden spoon

o   Knife & chopping board

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Blend tomatoes, bell pepper, and chili until smooth.

2. Heat oil in a pot. Sauté onions until soft.

3. Add garlic, then stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 mins.

4. Pour in blended tomato mix. Add thyme, curry, and seasoning cube. Let simmer until thick (10–12 mins).

5. Add broth, salt, and washed rice. Stir well and cover.

6. Cook on low heat for 20–25 mins until rice is soft and liquid absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

7. Fluff rice, serve hot.

 Macros (Per Serving - Approximate)

v  Calories: 360

v  Carbs: 55g

v  Protein: 6g

v  Fat: 12g

Tips & Variations

Add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp for protein.

For smoky flavor, let the rice slightly toast at the bottom.

Use basmati rice for a more fragrant twist.

FQA

Q- Can I make this without broth?

A: Yes! Substitute with water and adjust spices for flavor.

Q- Can I make it vegetarian?

A: Absolutely. It’s already meat-free, just served with grilled veggies or fried plantains.