Palm Oil Jollof Rice: Nigerian Native Dish (Iwuk Edesi)

Palm Oil Jollof Rice: Nigerian Native Dish (Iwuk Edesi)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 6 to 8 people
Cuisine: Nigerian or West African

Keywords: jollof rice palm oil, Nigerian jollof rice palm oil, native jollof rice, palm oil jollof rice recipe, traditional Nigerian rice, iwuk edesi, egunsifoods

Celebrate the Flavors of Nigeria with Palm Oil Jollof Rice

With Jollof rice being a signature dish at every celebration in West Africa, it is only right that we honor one of its most beloved varieties, Native Jollof Rice, also known as Iwuk Edesi in Efik tradition.

This local oil jollof recipe is a flavorful twist on classic Nigerian jollof rice, bringing in local ingredients like fermented locust beans, dried seafood, and smoked fish to deliver an unforgettable aroma and taste.

Whether you are craving the smoky taste of party jollof rice or looking for an authentic Nigerian rice recipe with palm oil, this is the perfect dish to reconnect with your roots.

Traditional Nigerian Jollof Rice: What Is Native Jollof Rice Iwuk Edesi

Native Jollof Rice or Iwuk Edesi is a traditional Nigerian palm oil jollof rice recipe that originates from the Efik people of Southeastern Nigeria.

Unlike regular Nigerian jollof rice made with vegetable oil, this version uses palm oil, giving it its rich orange color and signature native flavor. It is loaded with

• The local oil is rich and aromatic
• Iru fermented locust beans
• Smoked prawns and crayfish
• Cow skin Ponmo
• Dried smoked catfish or stockfish
• Leafy greens, Ugu, or spinach

This version is often described as everywhere nah market — meaning every bite is a party of rich, local flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain rice rinsed
• 1 jar Egunsifoods Ata Din Din Sauce drained of oil
• One quarter cup of palm oil
• 4 cups chicken stock flavored with meat for omi eran
• One quarter teaspoon sea salt or to taste
• 1 tablespoon Iru woro fermented locust beans
• 1 teaspoon ground smoked prawns
• 1 tablespoon dried smoked crayfish
• 2 medium cuts of cow skin, Ponmo
• 2 medium dried smoked catfish
• One-half cup smoked dry prawns
• 1 red habanero pepper diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach or Ugu leaves

How To Make Native Jollof Rice: Palm Oil Jollof Rice Recipe Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large saucepan, heat palm oil over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add diced onions and iru. Sauté until translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base
Add Ata Din Din sauce without oil, smoked prawns, crayfish, cow skin, habanero, and rehydrated smoked fish. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Stock and Simmer
Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Taste and adjust salt. Add rinsed rice and cook until the liquid starts reducing, about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Bake for Flavor
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Greens
Remove, stir in julienned spinach or Ugu, and return to the pot for 10 more minutes until the rice fully absorbs the stock.

Pro Tips for the Best Nigerian Jollof Rice

• Always use palm oil for authentic flavor
• Rehydrate your smoked fish and prawns for extra softness
• Add Ata Din Din sauce for a smoky, spicy base
• Do not skip iru – it is the soul of native dishes
• Serve hot and fresh – flavors peak the same day

What to Serve with

• Fried plantains Dodo
• Steamed Moi Moi bean pudding
• Grilled turkey or goat meat
• Nigerian salad
• Fried eggs or vegetable stir fry

What Is Party Jollof Rice Recipe Without Palm Oil

Party Jollof Rice is a classic West African rice dish known for its rich smoky flavor, vibrant red color, and unforgettable aroma.

It is typically served at Nigerian weddings, birthdays, naming ceremonies, and festive gatherings, which is why it is called party jollof.

When made without palm oil, party jollof rice is prepared with vegetable oil such as sunflower, canola, or groundnut oil.

This gives the dish a lighter taste and brighter red hue. This version is the most commonly served type of jollof rice at Nigerian parties today.

Key Differences Between Party and Native Jollof Rice

Feature	Without Palm Oil (Party Style)	With Palm Oil (Native Style)
Oil used	Vegetable oil	Palm oil
Flavor	Smoky and tomato-rich	Earthy and traditional
Color	Bright red orange	Deep reddish orange
Popular at	Parties and events	Homes and native celebrations
Ingredients	No local ingredients like Iru	Often includes Iru, crayfish, and Ugu

What Makes Party Jollof Rice Special

• The Smoky Flavor – Achieved by allowing the bottom of the pot to burn slightly, creating the famous bottom pot or party rice effect
• Rich Tomato Sauce – Made from a blend of fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, tatashe, Scotch bonnet atarodo, onions, and tomato paste
• Meat Stock – Chicken or beef stock is used to enrich the flavor
• Well Seasoned – Includes curry powder, thyme, bay leaves, seasoning cubes, and salt
• One Pot Cooking – All ingredients are cooked in one pot, allowing the rice to soak up every flavor

Basic Ingredients for Party Jollof Rice Without Palm Oil

• Long-grain parboiled rice
• Fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and Scotch bonnet
• Tomato paste
• Vegetable oil
• Meat stock from boiled chicken or beef
• Seasoning cubes such as Maggi or Knorr
• Curry powder
• Dried thyme
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Butter is optional for extra richness

Cooking Process Simplified

• Blend tomatoes, peppers, and onions, then boil to reduce
• Fry the pepper mix in vegetable oil along with tomato paste until thick
• Pour in the meat stock and add spices, then bring to a boil
• Add washed rice and cover the pot tightly to trap steam and flavor
• Cook slowly, allowing the rice at the bottom to toast slightly for that signature smoky flavor
• Add butter toward the end for a richer taste if desired

Pro Tip

For maximum party flavor, cook over low heat and seal the pot well to retain steam and build the smoky aroma that makes party jollof rice unforgettable

What People Are Searching Online: Trending Google Keywords on Jollof Rice, Palm Oil

• jollof rice with palm oil and locust beansBestt native jollof rice recipe, Enugu to make Iwuk Edesi
• Healthy Nigerian rice recipes
• traditional Efik rice dish
• Smoked Fish Rice Recipe
• palm oil rice recipes
• palm oil vs vegetable oil in jollof rice

Final Thoughts

This native rice with palm oil is more than a dish — it is a journey through the heart of Nigerian culture.

Bursting with umami flavor, rich in African culinary heritage, and easy to prepare with Ata Din Din, it is a must-try for every lover of authentic Nigerian food.

Ready to spice up your table? Try this rice palm oil recipe today and let your taste buds travel home.