Spiced and stewed in flavorful tomato broth – jollof rice can be your celebration dish! The flavors of this dish will be dancing on your tastebuds. Jollof rice is the Bae dish of Africans and is loved from the South of the Sahara to the coast of West Africa. 

This dish is traced back to the 1300s in the ancient Wolof Empire, also known as Jolof Empire. It spanned in Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. As the empire grew and Wolof people dispersed across the continent and settled in different parts of West Africa, they took this savory dish and made it famous all over Africa. 

Flavorful and the Best Jollof Rice Recipe! 

This jollof rice recipe is the ultimate African delicacy of rice that is simmered with spicy tomatoes, scotch bonnets, and lots of flavorful seasonings. If you are arranging a party and still confused about what to make then jollof rice will help you whip up a flavorful dish in no time! 

This dish is a combination of chili peppers, tomatoes, African curry powder, and a wide range of herbs and spices. With this recipe, you will get a fluffy, spicy, and flavorful rice dish that is fit for any occasion. 

One of the most popular African delicacies outside of Africa and often served in African homes, let’s see how you can make the Jollof recipe at home! 

Jollof Rice Recipe
Jollof Rice Recipe

Quick Stats 

Prep time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 40 minutes 

Servings: 8 serves 

Ingredients 

  • 4 Roma tomatoes chopped 
  • 2 red bell peppers chopped 
  • 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers chopped 
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil 
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic chopped
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2-1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder 
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups white rice rinsed
  • 2 bay leaves

Method to Prepare 

  • Add tomatoes, bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers in a blender jar and blend it until smooth. Once blended, set it aside. 
  • Take a large pot and heat oil over medium-high flame. Add onion and cook for around five minutes until softened. 
  • Then, add garlic and tomato paste and give it a good stir. Cook it for another 3 minutes until fragrant. 
  • Add the tomato and pepper puree and stir it. Cook the puree for a minute, stirring, and then reduce the flame to medium. 
  • Cook for 15 minutes, until it is reduced and has a deep color. It will allow flavors to develop. 
  • Then, pour chicken stock and sprinkle curry powder, thyme, salt, and pepper as per your taste. Bring everything to a boil for 5 minutes. 
  • Add rice and bay leaves and give it a good mix. 
  • Further, reduce the flame and cover it. Let it simmer on low flame until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked, for about 20 minutes. 
  • If you need moisture then you can add chicken stock or water. Ensure that your rice is light and fluffy.
  • Remove from the heat and remove the lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes and fluff the rice with a fork. 
  • Serve and enjoy!

Must Check: Barbacoa Recipe: How To Make Barbacoa At Home? 

Final Words 

It is filling, fascinating, and truly a standout African delicacy – jollof rice is one of the staple foods of the African continent. This dish will stand out owing to its balance of heat and sweetness due to tomatoes and pepper. So, try this recipe and fill the amazing flavorsome aroma in your home with a delicious recipe.