Sierra Leone Spiced Jollof Rice with Meaty Medley
Experience the vibrant flavors of Sierra Leone with this hearty Jollof Rice dish, combining tender pieces of smoked ham hock, juicy chicken, and lean stewing beef. Infused with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a medley of textures, this dish is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. Serve it alongside steamed cabbage, eggplant, and pumpkin for a complete meal. Adjust the heat level by adding more chili for those who crave an extra kick!
6-8 servings
Servings
312
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked ham hock
1 (weighing at least a pound)
chicken bouillon
2 cups (liquid)
beef bouillon
2 cups (liquid)
chicken
1 (3-4 lb) (cut into serving pieces)
lean stewing beef
1 lb (cut into chunks)
peanut oil
4 tablespoons (for frying)
onions
2 (medium size, peeled and chopped)
garlic clove
1 (peeled and minced)
ripe tomatoes
2 (large, peeled and chopped)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
hot green chili pepper
1 (minced (fresh or canned))
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
raw long grain rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
cabbage
1 head (washed and cut into 8 pieces)
eggplant
1 (peeled and cut into chunks)
pumpkin
1 small (peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks)
Instructions
1
In a deep pot, place the smoked ham hock and cover it with chicken and beef bouillon. Cover and simmer on low heat for about an hour until the ham hock is tender.
2
While the ham hock simmers, heat the peanut oil in a heavy stew pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stewing beef, browning them on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.
3
In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic for a few minutes until softened and aromatic.
4
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, minced green chili pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir the mixture and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
After the ham hock is tender, carefully remove it from the bouillon. Discard the skin and bones, returning the shredded ham to the pot. Combine the bouillon, ham, and stewing beef into the pot and allow it to simmer, covered, for another hour.
6
Next, add the browned chicken pieces to the stew and let everything simmer covered for an additional 15 minutes.
7
Stir in the raw long grain rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the stew. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is completely tender.
8
Allow the dish to stand covered for 15 minutes off the heat. This resting period lets the rice absorb the delicious liquid.
9
Meanwhile, prepare the cabbages, eggplant, and pumpkin by boiling or steaming them until tender and serve as side dishes.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
25g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sierra Leone Spiced Jollof Rice with Meaty Medley?
It is a vibrant, hearty rice dish from Sierra Leone featuring smoked ham hock, chicken, and stewing beef, served with steamed vegetables.
What meats are included in the Meaty Medley?
The recipe uses smoked ham hock, a whole chicken cut into pieces, and lean stewing beef.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
Is this Jollof Rice spicy?
Yes, it includes hot green chili pepper and cayenne pepper, though you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 312 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 23g of protein.
How do I prepare the smoked ham hock?
Simmer it in chicken and beef bouillon for about an hour until tender, then discard the skin and bones and shred the meat.
What kind of rice is used for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of raw long grain rice.
Which vegetables are recommended as side dishes?
It is traditionally served with steamed or boiled cabbage, eggplant, and pumpkin.
What type of oil is used for browning the meat?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of peanut oil for frying.
How much chicken is required?
You will need one chicken weighing 3-4 lbs, cut into serving pieces.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to simmer the smoked ham hock in bouillon for about an hour until tender.
How long should the rice cook in the pot?
The rice should simmer for about 20 minutes until it is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
Why must the dish stand for 15 minutes after cooking?
The resting period allows the rice to fully absorb the delicious cooking liquid.
What aromatics are used in the base?
The recipe uses chopped onions and minced garlic to create an aromatic base.
How much bouillon is needed?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chicken bouillon and 2 cups of beef bouillon.
How are the tomatoes prepared?
The recipe uses two large ripe tomatoes that have been peeled and chopped.
Is tomato paste included?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste are used to add flavor to the dish.
What kind of beef is best for this recipe?
One pound of lean stewing beef cut into chunks is recommended.
How do you prepare the pumpkin side dish?
Peel, seed, and cut a small pumpkin into chunks, then boil or steam until tender.
Can I use canned chili peppers?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or canned minced hot green chili peppers.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 16 total ingredients listed in this recipe.
How much cayenne pepper should be added?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or adjust to taste.
How is the cabbage prepared?
Wash one head of cabbage and cut it into 8 pieces before boiling or steaming.
When do you add the browned chicken back to the pot?
Add the chicken after the ham and beef mixture has simmered for an hour, then let it simmer for another 15 minutes.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the main rice and meat component is prepared as a one-pot meal.
What type of cuisine is this?
This is a Sierra Leonean recipe, which is a part of African cuisine.
How do I prepare the eggplant?
Peel the eggplant and cut it into chunks before boiling or steaming.
What should I do with the ham hock liquid?
The bouillon used to simmer the ham hock is combined with the other meats to form the base of the stew.
How much ham hock is needed?
Use one smoked ham hock weighing at least one pound.
What makes this dish suitable for special occasions?
Its vibrant flavors, medley of meats, and hearty presentation make it perfect for gatherings.