Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe

Jollof rice is one of Nigeria’s most popular and beloved dishes, often served at weddings, parties, and family gatherings. It’s a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish made with rice, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The Nigerian version of Jollof rice stands out because of its deep red color, smoky flavor, and the unique twist from the blend of local seasonings. Ready to create this mouthwatering dish at home? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 3 cups long-grain parboiled rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or palm oil for a more authentic taste)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 ripe tomatoes, blended (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
• 2 red bell peppers, blended
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, optional (for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder (fresh ginger works best)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning (or a seasoning cube)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice

Begin by washing the rice thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch. Rinsing the rice is crucial to prevent the Jollof from being too sticky. After rinsing, set it aside in a sieve to drain.

2. Blend the Tomatoes and Peppers

In a blender, combine the tomatoes, red bell peppers, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Blend until smooth. For a less spicy dish, remove the seeds of the Scotch bonnet before blending. Pro tip: Blending your tomatoes and peppers to a smooth consistency ensures that your Jollof rice has a rich, uniform texture.

3. Cook the Tomato Mixture

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil (or palm oil) over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden. This step brings out the sweetness of the onions. Add the tomato paste and cook for about 3 minutes until it darkens slightly. Pour in the blended tomato and pepper mixture. Stir well and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the liquid reduces and the oil begins to rise to the top.

4. Season the Sauce

Add the thyme, curry powder, ginger powder, white pepper, garlic powder, bay leaves, chicken seasoning, and salt to the sauce. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes. The combination of seasonings gives the Jollof its signature flavor. Pro tip: Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences – more curry powder for a deeper flavor or extra Scotch bonnet for heat.

5. Add the Rice

Once the tomato sauce is cooked down and flavorful, add the washed rice to the pot. Stir to coat the rice evenly with the sauce. Pro tip: You can fry the rice slightly in the sauce for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavor before adding the liquid.

6. Cook the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth or water, ensuring the rice is covered by about an inch of liquid. Add sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring too much during this process, as this can cause the rice to become mushy. Pro tip: Place a clean kitchen towel under the pot lid to trap steam and prevent water from dripping into the rice.

7. Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is fully cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together. Serve hot with your favorite protein like grilled chicken, fried plantains, or beef.

Pro Tips for Perfect Nigerian Jollof Rice

• Use parboiled long-grain rice for the best texture. It’s less likely to become mushy and gives you fluffy grains.
• If you’re aiming for that classic smoky flavor, you can use a smoke-infused cooking method: After the rice is cooked, cover it with a towel and allow it to sit on low heat for a few extra minutes. This adds a slight char to the rice, a popular technique for traditional Jollof.
• Leftovers taste even better: Jollof rice improves in flavor after a day or two. The rice absorbs the seasoning even more, making it an excellent dish for meal prep or leftovers.

Enjoy Your Jollof Rice!

Now you have the perfect recipe to create authentic Nigerian Jollof rice at home. The vibrant color, rich flavors, and comforting nature of this dish are sure to impress your family and guests. Don’t forget to share the love with your friends and family, and watch them enjoy every bite!