Rice jollof
Rice Jollof is a classic West African dish featuring basmati rice cooked in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, creating a vibrant and flavorful one-pot meal. Easy to make, it blends rich aromas with a hint of heat from chili peppers.
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 red pepper1 onion
1 lb tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
2 red hot chili peppers
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp curry powder
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 cup basmati rice
1 cup vegetable broth
Rice Jollof is a beloved West African dish known for its rich and vibrant flavors. This one-pot meal combines rice with a flavorful blend of tomatoes, peppers, and spices, creating a deliciously aromatic rice dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Instructions:
- Wash and chop the red pepper.
- Peel and dice the onion.
- Wash and chop the tomatoes.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
- Wash and finely chop the red hot chili peppers.
- In a blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, red pepper, and one of the chopped red hot chili peppers. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Measure out your curry powder, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Set aside.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and the remaining chopped red hot chili pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot with the onions and garlic.
- Stir to combine and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it has reduced and thickened slightly.
- Add the curry powder, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stir well to incorporate the spices into the sauce.
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with the sauce.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot.
- Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fluff up.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the bay leaf, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve your Rice Jollof warm, as a main dish or alongside your favorite protein and vegetables.
Enjoy your homemade Rice Jollof, a comforting and flavorful dish that brings a taste of West Africa to your kitchen. This recipe is sure to become a favorite with its delicious medley of spices and perfectly cooked rice.
Rice jollof FAQ:
The total cooking time for Rice Jollof is about 20-25 minutes after bringing the mixture to a boil. After that, allow the pot to sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to let the rice steam and fluff up.
The rice is done when it has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender but not mushy. You can check for doneness by tasting a grain of rice; it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite.
While basmati rice is traditional for Jollof, you can substitute it with long-grain rice. However, cooking times and liquid ratios may vary, so monitor carefully to ensure it's cooked properly.
To store leftovers, let the Rice Jollof cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
If you don't have vegetable broth, you can use water with added salt and spices to maintain flavor. Alternatively, chicken broth can also be used if you’re not keeping it vegetarian.
Tips:
- Make sure to blend the tomatoes, red pepper, onion, and garlic into a smooth paste for a consistent sauce.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your heat preference.
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
- Simmer the rice on low heat to ensure it absorbs the broth and flavors evenly.
- Let the cooked rice sit covered for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 120kcal
Protein 3.66g
Carbohydrates 27g
Fiber 3.72g
Sugar 7g
Fat 8g
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