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Classic Nigerian Jollof Rice

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A vibrant and flavorful West African dish made with a tomato-pepper base, fragrant spices, and perfectly cooked long-grain rice. Nigerian Jollof Rice is hearty, smoky, and ideal for both everyday meals and festive occasions.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Nigerian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

4 plum tomatoes

1/2 bell pepper

1 red onion

1 thumb-size piece fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves

1 scotch bonnet pepper

1/4 cup sunflower oil

1 cup long-grain rice, washed

1 tsp paprika powder

1 tsp dried thyme

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 cup vegetable stock

Instructions

  1. Chop tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion into chunks. Add to a blender with ginger, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper. Blend until smooth.
  2. In a pot over medium heat, warm sunflower oil. Add blended mixture, stir, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove lid and stir in paprika, thyme, nutmeg, bay leaf, and salt.
  4. Add washed rice and vegetable stock. Stir gently to coat rice with sauce.
  5. Cover surface of rice with aluminum foil, then place lid on pot. Cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove foil, stir gently, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  7. Fluff with a fork and serve hot with sides of choice.

Notes

  • For smoky ‘party’ jollof, allow rice to toast slightly at the bottom before serving.
  • Add protein like cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or fish for a complete meal.
  • Vegetarian-friendly — add carrots, peas, or green beans in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Adjust spice level by reducing or omitting scotch bonnet pepper.
  • Swap vegetable stock for chicken or beef stock for a richer flavor.

Nutrition

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