How to Make Classic Nigerian Jollof Rice in 5 Easy Steps
How to Make Classic Nigerian Jollof Rice in 5 Easy Steps
African Jollof Rice Recipe: Top Jollof Recipe
Nigerian rice dish known as “jollof rice,” is prepared with a lot of ingredients: seasoning, tomatoes, and peppers.
This is my version of the classic West African jollof rice recipe! Loved throughout the West African coast and south of the Sahara, jollof rice is a staple food.
READ NORE: https://9jafoods.com/how-to-prepare-jollof-rice-how-to-cook-with-chicken/
Jollof rice is a common dish in most homes, a West African cuisine pride. Growing up, it was undoubtedly a mainstay in our home, and you could always count on there being pans upon pans of it at gatherings.
I enjoy going to Nigerian gatherings for the first time for this reason. The dancing and music would have to come in second. It’s simply too enjoyable!
Table of Contents
Classic Nigerian Jollof Rice: What is Jollof rice?
For those of you who do not know, jollof rice, also known as jellibee, is a flavorful, aromatic, and extremely rich one-pot meal from West Africa.
It is comparable to jambalaya, but the spices are unique to Africa. The basic ingredients are cooked rice and a tomato stew seasoned with garlic, onions, scotch bonnet pepper, and thyme.
This meal is a mainstay of West African cooking, especially in the countries of Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and the Gambia. People commonly eat it for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and holidays.
This is a fairly versatile recipe that is typically prepared from scratch using rice, tomatoes, onions, scotch bonnet, pimento peppers, tomato paste, and salt along with additional spices.
Editor’s Pick: https://9jafoods.com/jollof-rice-nigeria-how-to-prepare-nigerian-rice-jollof/
Geographical range and variants
Jollof rice is a royal delicacy with West African origins. For example, in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Cameroun, and Liberia, it is among the most popular dishes from the West African cuisine. Even though it is thought to have come from the Wolof people of northwest Senegal.
Although the recipe differs from nation to nation and continent to continent, it usually begins with a tomato base.
Jollof Rice Recipe
It is “everyday” food transformed into a festive dish by adding spices and simmering it in a tasty tomato broth.
The traditional version is made using Uncle Ben’s or Carolina’s long-grain rice and seasoned with dried thyme and curry powder in the Nigerian way.
It’s the epitome of perfection when served with coleslaw and fried, ripe plantains, known as dodo.
Be aware that even though this may be considered a side in Nigeria by the rest of the world, it is actually the most important side.
Party Rice, a smokey variation cooked over an open fire and covered with smoke, spice, and boundless flavor, is even more amazing.
I figured out how to approximate the smoky flavor on the stovetop a few years ago. The key?
Continue reading.
For me, making jollof was a rite of passage, and I’ve made countless adjustments to simplify the recipe while maintaining its flavor.
Classic Nigerian Jollof Rice
To ensure that the cooked grains stay separate, jollof rice requires a precise ratio of sauce to rice in addition to a few essential ingredients (onions, tomatoes, peppers, and tomatoes), as well as some stock.
The easiest, least complicated way to do this, in my experience, is in the oven. Although parboiled rice is more common in Nigeria, long-grain rice is usually used to make jollof. The majority of jollof is cooked on a stovetop or over an open flame.
The somewhat smoky flavor that results from the rice bits that have browned on the bottom of the pan is missing from this oven version, but it is easily fixed with a dash of smoked paprika.
Serve with fried plantain on the side and stewed meats, such as goat, cooked in broth.
West African Jollof Rice Recipe
Jollof is a one-pot, one dish that unites West Africans. Every country has its unique version of Jollof, but the core is always these same two—well, three ingredients: rice, a tomato stew, and seasoning.
Thousands of people have contributed to this recipe. The original recipe calls for parboiling the rice in the stock first, however, this can occasionally result in overcooked rice.
Instead, add the stock along with the tomato and pepper mixture and add then the rice raw. Add half to one Scotch Bonnet pepper as well (instead of the whole).
One further change to the ingredient list is to include both black and white pepper for a smokier, earthier, and more complex flavor. And lastly, the Nigerian-style curry powder combination is the finest if you want to create your own from scratch.
Nigerian Recipe for Jollof Rice
I’ll be showing you how to make it in just five simple steps today!
There are numerous methods for preparing Jollof Rice. It is a dish made with rice, tomatoes, tomato paste, red bell pepper onions, scotch bonnet peppers, salt, and spices ingredients
It’s not authentic Jollof if it lacks the ingredients listed below. Because of the type of rice used, I usually refer to it as Nigerian Jollof when I prepare it the way my mother taught me.
Nigerians parboil the long-grain rice they consume. Other versions i.e. Basmati or jasmine rice is used for Ghanaian Jollof.
The question of which Jollof is better—from Nigeria or Ghana—has generated a lot of discussion on social media, and to be honest, it boils down to personal opinion.
Although the basmati/jasmine rice gives the jollof a pleasant flavor, I feel that it is too sweet and soft to be used in the meal. For this reason, I prefer Nigerian Jollof!
Tips on How to Prepare the Ultimate Jollof Rice
- Using parboiled rice is essential to avoid having mushy (overly soft rice) rice at the end.
- Secondly, when preparing the tomato stew, its readiness can be determined by the emergence of oil at the surface. It should exhibit a rich, deep red hue, and the tangy taste of the tomatoes should be thoroughly cooked out.
- After that, set aside a quarter of the tomato mixture to incorporate it towards the end, preventing the rice from sticking to the bottom and imparting the delightful red color we all cherish.
- Lastly, seal the pot with plastic wrap before placing the lid to retain the steam effectively within the pot.
How to prepare Classic Nigerian Jollof Rice and the ingredients
Ingredients
- 5 medium-sized Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 1 medium-sized onion, roughly chopped, set aside
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (habanero peppers, as they are sometimes called)
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp All-purpose seasoning
- 1 Knorr stock cube
- 3 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup of groundnut oil
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups of parboiled rice
- 2 1/2 cups of chicken stock
- Water, as needed
How to cook Classic Nigerian Jollof Rice: Instructions
1. In a food processor or blender, combine your tomatoes, red pepper, and scotch bonnet peppers for around 45 seconds, making sure to blend everything well.
2. Heat the oil in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. The onions you left aside should be added to the heating oil and fried until golden brown. Add the tomato paste and continue to sauté for two to three minutes after the onions have gone brown. Subsequently, incorporate the blended tomato combination (save around 1/4 cup and keep it aside) and cook it together with the onions and tomato paste for approximately half an hour. Stirring frequently will prevent the tomato mixture from burning.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the chicken stock after 30 minutes. Add the Knorr stock cube, salt, curry powder, thyme, and all-purpose seasoning. Mix well. Boil for a further ten minutes.
4. To the pot, add the parboiled rice. Combine it thoroughly with the stewed tomatoes. At this point, feel free to add more water if necessary to bring the rice up to the level of the tomato combination or chicken stock. After adding the bay leaves, cover the saucepan and let it cook for 15 to 30 minutes over medium to low heat.
5. Once the liquid is almost entirely dry, add the leftover tomato stew, cover, and simmer for five to ten minutes over high heat. Once you’ve fully combined and turned off the heat, your Jollof rice is ready to eat!
Nutritional content analysis for each serving (10 serves)
14 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 9 grams of monounsaturated fat, 4 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 52 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of dietary fiber, 3 grams of sugars, 5 grams of protein, and 480 milligrams of sodium are included in 357 calories.
Take note:
Using parboiled rice is essential to avoid having mushy rice at the end.
When the tomato stew is done, it will rise to the top. When the tomatoes’ bitter flavor has been eliminated, that is also a sign that it is done.
We do not want the rice to burn, which is why you should set out 1/4 of the tomato mixture and add it last. It also imparts that lovely crimson color that we are all familiar with to the rice.
FAQs
Order Jollof rice near me delivery: Nigerian Jollof rice near me prices
Jollof Rice Restaurant African food delivery near me
- Places: Land Of Sharwama
- Calabar Pot
- Nkwobikitchen
- Smokey Jollof
- Com
What is so special about jollof rice? What makes classic Nigerian jollof riceso unique?
Jollof Rice’s Special Flavors: The aromatic blend of herbs, tangy tomatoes, and spicy peppers all add to the delicious flavor of this rice. There are slight differences in flavor as it is relished in different parts of Africa.
Is Jollof Rice from Nigeria or Jamaica?
A common staple food enjoyed by many different communities in Western and Sub-Saharan Africa is jollof rice. Though it is popular in many other nations in the area, including Mali, Senegal, the Gambia, Liberia, and Nigeria, it is most generally associated with Ghana or Nigeria.
Is Jollof Rice Mexican?
A popular one-pot rice dish in West African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, is called jollof rice. Rice, a tangy tomato stew, and a spice mixture of curry, thyme, ginger, and chili pepper are all common ingredients despite regional variations.
What does jollof rice taste like?
How Is Jollof Rice Flavored? Cooked tomatoes give jollof rice a distinct warm, spicy sweetness. It is typically cooked over an open flame and may taste slightly smoky.
How to cook jollof rice and the ingredients list? What is the secret ingredient in jollof rice?
The key to the distinctive color of Reddy Jollof Rice is tomato paste. Thus, you will need 3 red bell peppers, 2 small tomatoes, and 70g of tomato paste for every 3 cups of Jollof rice.
Why is classic Nigerian jollof rice the best?
Nigerian jollof rice is well known for its robust, spicy flavors, which are usually accentuated with a variety of seasonings and sauces. It usually has a rich, vibrant flavor due to the well-balanced flavors of the tomato, peppers, and spices. Many people adore Nigerian jollof rice for its bold and hot flavor.
Where is the origin of Nigerian jollof rice?
The Senegambian region is where the dish originated. West African nations compete with each other over whose version of regional variations is the greatest; in the 2010s, this rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, in particular, became friendly and became known as the “Jollof Wars.”.
Who made Jollof first?
The Wolof people of Senegal invented this rice with a tomato base in the 1800s, and it has since become a staple on every table in West Africa. Every African nation has a unique way of making jollof. Three primary varieties of Jollof are recognized globally.
Which tribe owns jollof rice?
the tribe of Wolof
Originally from the Wolof tribe, which is present in Senegal, the Gambia, and Mauritius, jollof rice has spread throughout Africa and gained popularity as one of the continent’s tastiest and most popular dishes. It is a delicate dish that is greatly valued for its flavor, texture, and nutrients.
What are the 2 types of jollof rice?
Party and Native Jollof are two more popular varieties of Jollof. Party rice, also known as party jollof, is typically prepared outside over logs and has a smokey flavor.
Is jollof rice indigenous to Ghana or Nigeria?
Ghanaian Jollof generally has less heat than its Nigerian equivalent, which is well recognized for its scorching kick. When it comes to presentation, fried or grilled chicken is usually served with Nigerian jollof rice, whereas fried plantains are usually served with Ghanaian jollof rice.
Which country makes the best jollof rice?
The ideal way to prepare and season jollof rice varies from region to country, and the answer mostly depends on personal taste. While some individuals like Ghanaian jollof rice’s milder, smoky flavor, others prefer Nigerian jollof rice’s fiery, tomato-based flavor.
Is jollof rice a Yoruba food?
One of the Yoruba variations of the well-known jollof rice dish is called iresi eyin. A better description would be “palm oil rice.” It is not the same as the more well-known Yoruba jollof, Yoruba Party jollof, or Nigerian jollof.
From where did fufu originate?
Ghana
The word “mash or mix” in Twi refers to a mushy, doughy staple dish called fufu or fufuo. The Asante, Akuapem, Akyem, Bono, and Fante people of the Akan ethnic group of Ghana are thought to have originated in what is now modern-day Ghana, and it is currently widely accepted throughout the nation.
Jollof rice recipe: Ghanaian jollof rice
What is the difference between Ghanaian and Nigerian jollof rice?
Nigerian jollof rice is well known for its flavorful combination of tomatoes, peppers, and other spices. On the other hand, Ghanaian jollof rice has a unique flavor that usually mixes a balance of ingredients with a noticeable smokiness from the cooking process.
What is the secret ingredient in jollof rice?
The key to the distinctive color of Reddy Jollof Rice is tomato paste. Thus, you will need 3 red bell peppers, 2 small tomatoes, and 70g of tomato paste for every 3 cups of Jollof rice.
What gives jollof rice its color?
Tomatoes
Jollof rice gets its distinct scarlet color from tomatoes. Since fresh tomatoes are less expensive than manufactured purees, they are the ideal choice when making big batches of jollof rice. Scotch bonnet adds to the color of the rice in addition to tomatoes.
Nigerian jollof rice and chicken: What to pair with jollof rice?
Serving Suggestions
Serve your jollof rice with Nigerian salad, which is a cross between coleslaw and sweet, ripe fried plantains, as a common side dish.
Easy jollof rice recipe: How to make jollof rice without fresh tomatoes?
Instructions
- Firstly, add the sunflower oil to a skillet over medium heat.
- Secondly, add the rice, paprika, garlic, and cube of bouillon.
- After that, blend thoroughly until evenly
- Meanwhile, cover and then allow to simmer for about 3min.
- Lastly, remove and serve warm with meat or as is.
Spicy Jollof rice recipe: Which spices are best for Jollof rice?
Some of my favorite seasonings to use are:
- Tumeric.
- Nutmeg.
- Paprika powder.
- Herbs other than just great thyme, but oregano and bay leaf are special.
- Ginger and garlic powder (in addition to or as a substitute for fresh ginger and garlic)
Essay on how to prepare jollof rice (250 words)
How do I cook rice step by step?
The Classic Method
- 1. Firstly, give the rice a good rinse.
- 2. Then, make use of the proper water ratio. Fill a big pot with one part rice and two parts water.
- 3. After that, heat the water until it boils. When it comes to a boil, generously season it with salt.
- 4. Keep simmering.
- 5. Don’t stir or peek while cooking
- 6. Cover and let the rice sit.
- 7. Using a fork, fluff the rice.
