Jollof Rice dish is a must-try for anyone interested in exploring Nigerian cuisine. This iconic rice dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a big celebration. In this post, we’ll share a step-by-step recipe for making Nigerian Jollof Rice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Mbariket long-grain Abakaliki parboiled rice
- 1 can of tomato paste (6 oz)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (or 1 habanero pepper, if you prefer a milder flavor)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 teaspoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of Mbariket salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of Mbariket black or red pepper
- 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of Mbariket red palm oil
- Optional: pre-cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp (if you want to add protein to the dish)
Instructions
- Wash and rinse the rice in a colander until the water runs clear. This will help remove excess starch and ensure that the rice cooks evenly.
- In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
- Add the diced bell peppers and scotch bonnet peppers to the pot and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.
- Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the can of tomato paste to the pot and stir it in with the vegetables. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it starts to caramelize and turn a darker shade of red.
- Add the spices (thyme, curry powder, smoked paprika, salt, and red or black pepper) to the pot and stir them in with the tomato paste and vegetables.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot and stir it in with the tomato paste and spices.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir it in with the other ingredients.
- If you’re using protein (chicken, beef, or shrimp), add it to the pot now.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Let the rice cook for 20-25 minutes until it’s fully cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot with a side of fried plantains or a protein of your choice.
With the right combination of spices and a few simple steps, making Nigerian Jollof Rice is easier than you think.