Authentic African Jollof Rice Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup (200g) diced chicken or beef 1 cup (200g) diced chicken or beef
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat) 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced chicken or beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, curry powder, thyme, dried parsley, and chili powder (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Add the diced bell peppers and carrot to the pot, and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Pour in 4 cups (950ml) of water and bring to a boil.
7. 7.
   Stir in the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
9. 9.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
• Diced tomatoes — Opt for canned diced tomatoes for convenience, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if preferred.
• Tomato paste — Use a good quality tomato paste to enhance the flavor and color of the dish.
• Paprika — Choose a sweet or smoked paprika based on your preference for a mild or smoky flavor.
• Chili powder — Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your desired level of spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables like peas or corn.
• To make it more festive, garnish with fried plantains or roasted peanuts.
• Leftover Jollof Rice can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
• Adjust the spices and seasonings according to your taste preferences.
• Serve Jollof Rice with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the African Jollof Rice as a main course, accompanied by a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Jollof Rice in a large serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the rice and vegetables to shine through. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for an added pop of green.