Savory West African Jollof Rice
Savory West African Jollof Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish steeped in tradition, found at every major celebration and family gathering across West Africa. Originating primarily from Nigeria, this delightful one-pot meal features a harmonious blend of spices, tender chicken, and an array of colorful vegetables. Each bite is infused with the warmth of paprika, the zest of ginger, and the richness of tomato—creating a dish that’s comforting, nourishing, and undeniably festive. Perfect for lunch or an afternoon snack, Jollof Rice brings family and friends together, evoking cherished memories of gatherings filled with joy and laughter. Prepare to enjoy a taste of West Africa in the comfort of your own home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
24
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice
2 cups (long-grain or medium variety, rinsed)
groundnut oil
1/4 cup (or use olive oil)
butter
1/2 tablespoon (unsalted)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (or 2 tablespoons if using fresh)
curry powder
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
onion
1 (sliced)
celery
1 (diced)
green pepper
1 (diced, seeds removed)
garlic cloves
2-3 (minced)
chicken breast
1 cup (diced, uncooked; omit for vegan version)
ginger
1/2 inch piece (peeled and grated)
ground paprika
1 tablespoon (smoked if available)
cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons (add more for heat, if desired)
tomato paste
3 tablespoons (preferably Hunts brand)
tomatoes
2 large (finely chopped or 1 small can of pureed tomatoes)
carrot
1 (cubed)
chicken bouillon cube
1 (preferably Knorr or Maggi)
bay leaf
1
chicken stock
2 cups (or vegetable stock for a vegan option)
water
2 cups
portobello mushrooms
1/2 cup (optional, diced)
peas
to taste (can use frozen mixed vegetables)
salt
to taste
cilantro or parsley
1/4 cup (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large heat-resistant pot, combine the groundnut or olive oil and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts.
2
Add the diced chicken breast (if using), smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, sliced onion, diced celery, diced green pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté the mixture for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the chicken is lightly browned.
3
Stir in the chopped carrots and a pinch of salt, and continue to sauté for another minute.
4
Add the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, curry powder, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Cook until the tomatoes soften, about 3 minutes, allowing the oil to turn a rich red color. Then, add any frozen vegetables you desire.
5
Next, add the rice to the pot and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to coat the grains with the mixture.
6
Pour in the chicken stock and water, and add the bouillon cube along with an adequate amount of salt. Stir gently to combine.
7
Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low to medium heat until the rice is about 90% cooked, roughly 30 minutes.
8
Once the rice is almost done, check for moisture. If the rice seems too wet, switch the heat to low and allow it to dry out without making the rice too soft.
9
If the rice is still slightly hard, add 1/4 cup of water and cover with foil to trap steam. Check back in 5 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly; the rice should be tender yet firm.
10
When ready, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving, and enjoy your delicious Jollof Rice!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory West African Jollof Rice?
It is a vibrant and flavorful one-pot dish from West Africa featuring a harmonious blend of spices, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables.
Where does Jollof Rice originate?
This dish primarily originates from Nigeria and is a staple at major celebrations and family gatherings across West Africa.
Can I make a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of rinsed long-grain or medium variety rice.
What oil should I use for cooking Jollof Rice?
You can use either groundnut oil or olive oil.
Is butter used in Jollof Rice?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter to be melted with the oil.
How much chicken is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of diced, uncooked chicken breast.
What spices provide the warmth in this dish?
The warmth comes from a combination of smoked paprika, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, use 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme if you do not have the 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, but you can add more if you desire extra heat.
What is the role of tomato paste in this recipe?
Tomato paste is cooked with spices and chopped tomatoes to give the oil a rich red color and deep flavor.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute 2 large chopped fresh tomatoes with 1 small can of pureed tomatoes.
What vegetables are included in the sauté?
The sauté includes sliced onion, diced celery, diced green pepper, and minced garlic.
How long does the rice take to cook?
The rice should be covered and cooked on low to medium heat for roughly 30 minutes until 90% cooked.
What should I do if the rice is too wet?
Switch the heat to low and allow it to dry out without making the rice too soft.
How do I fix rice that is still slightly hard?
Add 1/4 cup of water and cover the pot with foil to trap steam, then check back in 5 minutes.
Which bouillon cube brands are recommended?
The recipe suggests using one Knorr or Maggi chicken bouillon cube.
What garnishes are suggested for Jollof Rice?
Garnish the dish with 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Are mushrooms an ingredient in Jollof Rice?
Adding 1/2 cup of diced portobello mushrooms is an optional choice for this recipe.
When do I add the frozen vegetables?
Frozen vegetables or peas can be added after the tomato mixture has softened and the oil has turned red.
Is curry powder mandatory for this dish?
No, the 1/4 teaspoon of curry powder is listed as an optional ingredient.
How much liquid is needed for 2 cups of rice?
The recipe requires a total of 4 cups of liquid: 2 cups of chicken stock and 2 cups of water.
Should the rice be sautéed before boiling?
Yes, sauté the rice for 2 minutes with the vegetable and spice mixture to coat the grains before adding liquid.
How is the ginger prepared?
A 1/2 inch piece of ginger should be peeled and grated before being added to the pot.
What is the desired final texture of the rice?
The rice should be tender yet firm.
Does the recipe use garlic?
Yes, 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves are added during the initial sautéing phase.
When are the carrots added?
Cubed carrots are stirred in after the chicken and primary vegetables have sautéed for about 3 minutes.
What kind of pot is needed?
A large heat-resistant pot with a lid is required for this one-pot meal.
Is the chicken cooked separately?
No, the diced chicken is sautéed directly in the pot with the vegetables and spices.
What occasions is Jollof Rice typically served for?
It is perfect for lunch, afternoon snacks, and bringing family and friends together during festive gatherings.