Jollof Rice Cooking Recipe

Here is how to cook your Jollof Rice

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of long-grain parboiled rice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 5 large tomatoes (blended)
• 3 large red bell peppers (blended)
• 2 medium onions (1 blended, 1 sliced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch ginger (minced)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Protein of your choice (chicken, fish, or beef)
• Vegetables for garnish (carrots, peas, or green beans, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water and set aside.
• Blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, one onion, garlic, and ginger until smooth.

1. Cook the Base Sauce:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent.
• Stir in the tomato paste and fry for about 3 minutes.
• Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil floats on top.

1. Season the Sauce:

• Add curry powder, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir well.

1. Add Stock and Rice:

• Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add the washed rice to the pot and stir to combine.

1. Cook the Jollof Rice:

• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook for about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• If the rice is not fully cooked, add a little water or stock and continue cooking.

1. Add Garnishes:

• When the rice is almost ready, stir in the vegetables if desired. Let them steam for 5 minutes before turning off the heat.

1. Serve:

• Fluff the rice with a fork and serve with your preferred protein, such as fried chicken, grilled fish, or beef.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Jollof Rice! 🍲