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jollof rice in a bowl with fried plantains
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5 from 1 vote

Jollof Rice

Learn how to make Jollof Rice with us! This mouthwatering West African dish includes tender rice and a rich spice blend all simmered in a tomato and pepper sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: african, west african
Keyword: jollof rice
Servings: 12
Calories: 235kcal
Author: Kelsey Crist

Ingredients

  • 2 tomatoes I used roma tomatoes
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 1/2 Habanero pepper
  • 3 red bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon thyme
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper use less if you aren't a fan of spice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 1/2 cups medium grain white rice I used Calrose
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  • Chop the tomatoes, onion, and peppers into chunks. Place in a blender.
    tomatoes, peppers, and onions in a blender before they are blended
  • Blend until smooth.
    tomatoes, onions, and peppers blended in a blender
  • Prepare the spice mix. Add all the spices to a small plate or bowl. Set aside.
    A bunch of different spices on a plate
  • Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot or dutch oven. Add the puree along with the spice mixture. Stir to combine. Add bay leaves and bring to a boil.
    a red simmer sauce in a pot topped with two bay leaves
  • Add the rice and stir. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. If the rice seems dry, add the chicken broth. Cook for about 15 more minutes or until the rice is al dente. Allow some of the rice to cook on the bottom of the pot and get a bit crispy.
    jollof rice in a pot topped with two bay leaves
  • Remove from heat and serve.
    jollof rice in a bowl with fried plantains

Notes

  • Allowing some of the rice to cook up crispy on the bottom will infuse the rice with a smoky flavor.
  • Serve this rice with a protein of your choice and fried plantains. 
  • This rice is spicy. If you are not a fan of spice, then omit the Habanero pepper and the cayenne pepper. 

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 203mg | Potassium: 227mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1579IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg