Savory Ghanaian Jollof Rice with Chicken and Ham
Experience the vibrant and rich flavors of Ghanaian cuisine with this delicious Jollof Rice recipe, featuring succulent chicken and smoky ham. In this one-pot wonder, the rice is infused with spices, tender chicken, and colorful veggies, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. You’ll love how the combination of stewed tomatoes, fresh cabbage, and spices meld together to create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for more. Don’t shy away from the cabbage; it adds a depth of flavor that truly elevates the rice. Perfect for serving 8, this dish will satisfy even the hungriest of guests and leave them raving about the delightful taste!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 cups (none)
chicken
3 lbs (cut into 8 pieces, bone-in (drumsticks and thighs preferred))
stewed tomatoes
2 (16 ounce) cans (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
smoked ham
3/4 cup (cooked and cubed)
rice
1 cup (uncooked)
onion
1 large (sliced)
green cabbage
3 cups (shredded)
fresh green beans
1/2 lb (quartered and stems removed)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, pour in the water and add the chicken pieces. Incorporate the stewed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavor the broth.
3
After 30 minutes, stir in the cubed ham, uncooked rice, sliced onion, shredded cabbage, quartered green beans, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, mixing everything well.
4
Increase the heat again to bring the pot back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is fork-tender and the rice has absorbed the liquid and is fully cooked. If you prefer a drier rice, you can let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid further.
5
Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Ghanaian Jollof Rice with Chicken and Ham?
It is a traditional Ghanaian one-pot rice dish featuring chicken, smoky ham, stewed tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables and spices.
How many servings does this Jollof rice recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends 3 lbs of chicken cut into 8 pieces, with bone-in drumsticks and thighs being the preferred choice for flavor.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the pot?
No, you add 1 cup of uncooked rice directly to the pot after the chicken has simmered.
How long should the chicken simmer initially?
The chicken should simmer in the tomato and water mixture for about 30 minutes to become tender and flavor the broth.
What vegetables are included in this Ghanaian Jollof?
The dish includes sliced onions, 3 cups of shredded green cabbage, and 1/2 lb of quartered fresh green beans.
Why is cabbage added to the recipe?
The shredded green cabbage adds a depth of flavor that elevates the overall taste of the rice.
What spices give this dish its flavor?
The recipe uses a combination of ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
How much water is required for the broth?
You will need 2 cups of water to start the cooking process with the chicken.
Is the ham used in this recipe pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3/4 cup of smoked ham that is already cooked and cubed.
How do I prepare the green beans?
The fresh green beans should have their stems removed and be quartered before being added to the pot.
What is the final cooking time for the rice?
Once the rice and other ingredients are added, it should simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Can I make this dish if I prefer drier rice?
Yes, if you prefer drier rice, you can let it simmer slightly longer than 30 minutes to further reduce the liquid.
How should I finish the dish before serving?
Once the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed, gently fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for two 16-ounce cans of stewed tomatoes.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the first step in making this Jollof rice?
The first step is to bring water, chicken pieces, stewed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to a rolling boil in a large pot.
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
While the recipe prefers bone-in for flavor, you could use boneless, though cooking times for the initial simmer may need adjustment.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is described as a one-pot wonder where the chicken, rice, and vegetables all cook together.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe specifies using one large onion, sliced.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of salt.
What is the main carbohydrate in this recipe?
The main carbohydrate is 1 cup of uncooked rice.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready when it is fork-tender after the final simmering stage.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include ghanaian, jollof rice, chicken, ham, comfort food, and african cuisine.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, fiber is provided by the green cabbage, green beans, and onions.
Can I substitute the green beans?
While the recipe calls for fresh green beans, you could likely substitute with other green vegetables like peas.
What type of cabbage is best?
The recipe specifically calls for shredded green cabbage.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to add a subtle warm spice.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
At what heat level should the rice simmer?
The rice should be simmered on low heat once the pot has reached a boil and the lid is placed on top.