West African Jollof Rice – A Flavorful Omnivore Delight
Experience the vibrant and bold flavors of West African cuisine with this superb Jollof Rice recipe. This West African dish, known for its rich and complex flavors, combines the zest of tomatoes and the heat of scotch bonnet peppers. Our recipe enhances the foundation of rice with a balanced medley of spices and the savory goodness of chicken or beef stock. Blending the right spices with your choice of stock, this dish brings a taste of West Africa right to your dining table. Ideal for a hearty dinner for two, this dish is sure to captivate your taste buds and transport you to West Africa.
Serves: 2
Difficulty: Intermediate
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 200 grams of White Rice
- 2 Tomatoes, chopped
- 50 grams of Tomato paste
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
- 400 ml of Chicken or Beef stock
- 2 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 10 grams of Ginger, minced
- 2 grams of Thyme
- 5 grams of Curry powder
- 2 Bay leaves
- 10 ml of Olive Oil
- 5 grams of Salt
- 2 grams of Black pepper
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Add the minced ginger, diced red bell pepper, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the pot. Sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring continuously. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes reduce and the oil begins to separate.
- Sprinkle in the curry powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken or beef stock, stirring well, and then bring to a boil.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice to the pot and combine well with the tomato mixture.
- Add the bay leaves to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaves, and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, allow the rice to sit for a few minutes after cooking with the lid on before serving.
- Add a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- For more heat, you can increase the amount of scotch bonnet pepper or add a dash of chili powder.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 200 kcal (840 kJ) | 500 kcal (2100 kJ) |
| Fat | 5 grams | 12.5 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 grams | 3.75 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30 grams | 75 grams |
| Sugars | 3 grams | 7.5 grams |
| Proteins | 4 grams |
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