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Authentic Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe (West African Party Rice)

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Authentic Nigerian Jollof Rice

The ultimate West African party dish with rich tomato-pepper sauce and aromatic spices

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 6
Quick Answer: Nigerian Jollof Rice is a one-pot West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It's known for its vibrant red color and smoky flavor, often served at parties and celebrations. Cooking time: 45 minutes.

Jollof rice is the ultimate West African party dish that sparks friendly rivalry between Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. This authentic Nigerian version delivers perfectly cooked rice infused with a rich tomato-pepper sauce and aromatic spices.

Authentic Nigerian Jollof Rice in a pot

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
  • 3 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 red bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 onion, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch ginger, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pepper mix: Blend tomatoes, bell peppers, half onion, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
  2. Sauté base: Heat oil in large pot and sauté remaining sliced onion until golden.
  3. Cook tomato paste: Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Simmer sauce: Pour in blended pepper mixture and cook for 15 minutes until thickened.
  5. Add liquids and spices: Add stock, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and bring to boil.
  6. Cook rice: Stir in rinsed rice, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
  7. Serve: Fluff rice with fork and serve hot with fried plantains.

Pro Tips for Perfect Jollof

  • Use parboiled rice for best texture - it holds shape better than regular rice
  • Cook the pepper mixture until oil separates for deepest flavor
  • Don't stir too much during cooking to avoid mushy rice
  • For smoky flavor, place foil between pot and lid during last 5 minutes

The Jollof Rice Rivalry

Jollof rice is more than just a dish - it's a cultural phenomenon across West Africa. The friendly "Jollof Wars" between Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal debate whose version is superior. Nigerian jollof is known for its richer color and slightly smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Fried plantains (dodo)
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Coleslaw or green salad
  • Moimoi (steamed bean pudding)

Nutrition Facts

320
Calories
55g
Carbs
6g
Protein
8g
Fat

Recipe Rating

★★★★★
4.8 (125 reviews)

Cuisine Info

Category: Main Course

Cuisine: West African

Author: African Food Recipes

Perfect Pairings

  • Chapman (Nigerian cocktail)
  • Palm wine
  • Zobo (hibiscus drink)
  • Ginger beer

© 2024 African Food Recipes | Authentic Nigerian Jollof Rice

Enjoy the taste of West Africa!

My story is rooted in a lifelong immersion in African history, guided by my parents—two dedicated historians for whom culture was not just a profession, but our home's heartbeat. Now living in the United States, I carry their legacy forward as a writer, researcher, and self-proclaimed "universe junkie" obsessed with the vast tapestry of the African experience. This obsession isn't just theoretical. It's the fuel for a variety of creative endeavors. I've channeled it into best-selling cookbooks that bring ancestral flavors to modern tables, magazine columns that explore our rich heritage, and a popular blog that serves as a dynamic hub for anyone eager to connect with African culture and cuisine. My work is driven by a simple belief: to understand who we are, we must explore where we come from. It's a journey I'm honored to share.

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