Jollof rice is one of the most loved dishes in Nigeria and across West Africa. It’s a delicious one-pot meal made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, and a blend of spices. Jollof rice is a staple in many Nigerian households and is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful and satisfying meals. This recipe for Classic Jollof Rice from Nigeria is a simple yet authentic way to prepare this delicious dish that will transport you straight to West Africa.
Recipe: Classic Jollof Rice from Nigeria
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 3 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 3 cups of chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Wash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and set it aside.
- Combine the chopped tomatoes, red bell peppers, and onion in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a big size pot over medium heat. Add it into the minced garlic and sauté for 30 half minute.
- Add the tomato paste and the blended tomato and pepper mixture to the pot. Stir well.
- Add the paprika, cumin, thyme, curry powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the chicken broth or water to the pot and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir well. set the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Cook the rice until it becomes tender and all the liquid is absorbed, which usually takes around 20-25 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve it hot.
Congratulations! You have just prepared a delicious and authentic Classic Jollof Rice from Nigeria. This dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family and will surely be a hit at any gathering. So go ahead, dish it up, and enjoy this mouth-watering and flavorful meal. Don’t forget to experiment with different changes and spice blends to make it your own. Have fun and happy cooking!