West African Jollof Rice Medley
Experience the rich and vibrant flavors of West Africa with this Jollof Rice Medley, a delicious one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, hearty beef, and savory smoked ham all nestled in a fragrant, spiced rice. Perfect for gatherings, this dish is known for its bold spices and colorful presentation. Despite the lengthy process, it's straightforward and rewarding—ideal for both beginner and seasoned cooks. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables and hard-boiled eggs for a complete meal that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of West Africa. Prepare to enjoy a symphony of flavors that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roasting chicken
2.5-3 lb (Cut into serving pieces)
Boneless lean beef
1 lb (Cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
Salt
2 teaspoons (For seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Oil
6 tablespoons (Vegetable or canola oil for frying)
Onion
1 cup (Finely chopped)
Ripe tomatoes
3 medium (Peeled, seeded, and finely chopped (can substitute with 1 cup chopped canned tomatoes))
Tomato paste
1/4 cup (For added richness)
Garlic
1.5 tablespoons (Chopped)
Hot chili pepper
1 (Seeded and finely chopped)
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (For a warm, spicy flavor)
Bay leaf
1 (For flavoring)
Chicken broth or beef broth
2 cups (For simmering)
Water
2 cups (To adjust the consistency)
Smoked ham
1/2 lb (Diced)
Uncooked white rice
1.5 cups (For the main carbohydrate)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West African Jollof Rice Medley?
It is a vibrant one-dish meal from West Africa that combines tender chicken, hearty beef, and savory smoked ham with fragrant, spiced rice.
How many servings does this Jollof Rice recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What meats are included in this medley?
The recipe includes a combination of roasting chicken, boneless lean beef, and diced smoked ham.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute the 3 medium fresh tomatoes with 1 cup of chopped canned tomatoes.
Is this Jollof Rice dish spicy?
Yes, it features bold spices including a seeded and finely chopped hot chili pepper and ground ginger.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of uncooked white rice.
What side dishes are recommended with this meal?
It is best served with a side of steamed vegetables and hard-boiled eggs for a complete meal.
What kind of oil is best for frying the ingredients?
Vegetable or canola oil is recommended for frying.
How much chicken is required for the recipe?
You will need a roasting chicken weighing between 2.5 and 3 lbs, cut into serving pieces.
How should the beef be prepared?
One pound of boneless lean beef should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
Is garlic included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of chopped garlic for seasoning.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 cups of chicken broth or 2 cups of beef broth.
How much liquid is needed in total?
A total of 4 cups of liquid is used: 2 cups of broth and 2 cups of water.
What is the purpose of tomato paste in Jollof Rice?
Tomato paste is added to provide a rich color and depth of flavor to the sauce.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Yes, if using fresh tomatoes, they should be peeled, seeded, and finely chopped.
What type of ginger is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to provide a warm, spicy flavor.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, Jollof Rice Medley is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 16 different ingredients.
Is the recipe suitable for beginner cooks?
Yes, while the process is lengthy, it is described as straightforward and ideal for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
How much smoked ham is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of diced smoked ham.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe requires 1 cup of finely chopped onion.
How much salt is used?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of salt for seasoning.
Is there a bay leaf in the recipe?
Yes, one bay leaf is added to the medley for extra flavoring.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Nutritional information such as calories and fat content is not currently available for this recipe.
What gives Jollof Rice its signature color?
The combination of ripe tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices creates its colorful presentation.
How is the hot chili pepper prepared?
The hot chili pepper should be seeded and finely chopped before being added to the dish.
Is the rice cooked before adding it to the pot?
No, you use 1.5 cups of uncooked white rice which cooks together with the meat and liquid.
How much oil is used for the entire dish?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of oil.
Why is it called a medley?
It is called a medley because it blends three different types of meat—chicken, beef, and ham—into a single rice dish.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of hot chili pepper and black pepper to suit your taste preferences.