Easy Jollof Rice Recipe: A Taste of Authentic West African Flavor

Name: Easy Jollof Rice Recipe: A Taste of Authentic West African Flavor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 2 cups Long-Grain Rice (or Basmati, washed thoroughly); 4 medium Tomatoes (fresh, ripe, blended); 2 large Red Bell Peppers (blended with tomatoes); 1 large Onion (finely chopped); 1 unit Habanero or Scotch Bonnet Pepper (optional, for heat, blended with tomatoes); 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (for color and depth of flavor); 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (for sautéing and cooking); 3 cups Chicken or Vegetable Stock (for cooking the rice); 1 teaspoon Curry Powder (for authentic flavor); 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (for aromatic flavor); 2 units Bay Leaves (for added aroma); to taste dash Salt; to taste dash Black Pepper

A quick guide to making delicious Jollof rice, a classic West African dish. This video showcases the key steps to achieve that authentic smoky and savory flavor. Perfect for a hearty meal!

#Jollof Rice

#African Food

#Rice Dish

#Spicy

#Comfort Food

#Easy Recipe

#How To Make

Perfectly Cooked Jollof Rice in a Pot

Recipe Information

20m

Prep Time

1h 10m

Cook Time

1h 30m

Total Time

Servings

Medium

West African

English

Nutrition (per serving)

400

Calories

10g

Protein

65g

Carbs

12g

Fat

Delicious Jollof Rice Plated

Ingredients

Servings: 6

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Jollof Rice with Traditional Sides

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Prepare the Base Sauce: Blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, onion, and optional habanero until smooth. This creates the vibrant base for your Jollof.
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5m
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Prepare the Base Sauce: Blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, onion, and optional habanero until smooth. This creates the vibrant base for your Jollof.
5m
Achieving a very smooth blend is key for the sauce's texture.
2
Sauté Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
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8m
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Sauté Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
8m
Cooking the tomato paste thoroughly enhances its flavor and deepens the color.

3
Cook the Jollof Sauce: Add the blended tomato mixture, curry powder, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil separates on top.
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20m
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Cook the Jollof Sauce: Add the blended tomato mixture, curry powder, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil separates on top.
20m
This step is crucial for developing the rich, deep flavor of Jollof rice. Don't rush it.
4
Add Rice and Stock: Stir in the washed rice until each grain is well coated with the flavorful sauce. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to very low.
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5m
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Add Rice and Stock: Stir in the washed rice until each grain is well coated with the flavorful sauce. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to very low.
5m
Ensure all rice grains are covered by the liquid to ensure even cooking.
5
Simmer and Steam: Cover the pot tightly with aluminum foil and then with a lid to trap the steam effectively. Simmer on very low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and all the liquid has been absorbed. Resist the urge to lift the lid!
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30m
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Simmer and Steam: Cover the pot tightly with aluminum foil and then with a lid to trap the steam effectively. Simmer on very low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and all the liquid has been absorbed. Resist the urge to lift the lid!
30m
The steaming process is crucial for achieving the characteristic 'smoky' Jollof flavor.

6
Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for another 5-10 minutes. Then, gently fluff the Jollof rice with a fork and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments.
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10m
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Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for another 5-10 minutes. Then, gently fluff the Jollof rice with a fork and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments.
10m
Resting allows the flavors to meld further and the rice grains to separate beautifully.