Recipe of Jollof Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, blended into a smooth paste
• 1 green bell pepper, blended into a smooth paste
• 3-4 ripe tomatoes, blended into a smooth paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup green peas (optional)
• 1 cup diced carrots (optional)
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• 1/2 cup fried or grilled chicken (optional)
• Fried plantains (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Wash the rice thoroughly and set it aside to drain.

2. 2

   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.

3. 3

   Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

4. 4

   Stir in the tomato, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate from the sauce. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, curry powder, bay leaves, and salt. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the spices to meld with the sauce.

6. 6

   Pour in the washed rice and stir well to coat it with the tomato and pepper sauce.

7. 7

   Add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. If using optional vegetables, add them at this stage and cook until tender.

8. 8

   Check the seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

9. 9

   If using optional fried or grilled chicken, arrange it on top of the cooked rice.

10. 10

    Cover the pot again and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.

11. 11

    Serve your delicious Nigerian Jollof Rice hot, garnished with fried plantains if desired. Enjoy!