Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe

Introduction

Nigerian Jollof Rice is a vibrant and flavorful one-pot dish loved across West Africa. This rich tomato and pepper-based rice is perfect for family meals or festive occasions, offering a delicious blend of spices and a hint of heat.

Ingredients

• 2 Roma tomatoes (quartered)
• 2 red bell peppers (diced)
• ½ red onion
• 1-3 habanero peppers (diced, adjust to taste)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ½ onion (diced)
• 2-3 bay leaves
• ½ tsp thyme (substitute thyme powder as needed)
• 2 bouillon cubes (vegan if preferred)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for color, optional)
• 1 ¾ cups stock
• 2 cups long grain rice (washed and drained to remove excess starch)
• 1 tsp salt (add more to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a blender, combine the quartered Roma tomatoes, diced red bell peppers, ½ red onion, and diced habanero peppers. Blend until smooth to create the pepper sauce base.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bay leaves, frying for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in the pepper sauce, thyme, bouillon cubes, and tomato paste if using. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the raw smell of the peppers fades.
4. Step 4: Pour in the stock and bring to a boil with the pot covered. Add the washed rice and salt, then mix well with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and cover again.
5. Step 5: Simmer the rice covered for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, stir gently to prevent sticking and check the rice’s doneness. Cook for another 2-4 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
6. Step 6 (Optional): To create a crispy bottom layer, increase the heat to medium-high for 1 minute, then remove from heat immediately.
7. Step 7: Stir up the crispy rice from the bottom to the top, garnish with extra onion slices if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use less habanero if you prefer a milder heat, or substitute with milder chili peppers.
• For a smoky flavor, add a small smoked chili or cook the tomato and pepper blend longer.
• Vegetable or mushroom stock work well for a vegetarian or vegan version.
• Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking prevents it from becoming too sticky.
• Adding mixed vegetables like peas or carrots can add color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover Jollof rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock to restore moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the rice texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for Jollof?

Long grain rice is preferred for its texture, but you can use basmati or jasmine rice. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly to prevent mushiness.

How spicy is Nigerian Jollof rice?

The heat level depends on how many habanero peppers you use. Starting with one and tasting as you go is a safe way to control the spice. You can always add more for extra kick.

Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Nigerian Jollof recipe is a vibrant and flavorful one-pot rice dish featuring a rich blend of tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and habanero peppers. Cooked with aromatic bay leaves, thyme, and vegetable stock, it offers a perfect balance of spiciness and comforting warmth, finished with a delightful optionally crispy bottom crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Produce

• 2 Roma tomatoes (quartered)
• 2 red bell peppers (diced)
• ½ red onion
• 1–3 habanero peppers (diced, adjust to taste)
• ½ onion (diced)

Pantry Staples

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2–3 bay leaves
• ½ tsp thyme (or thyme powder as substitute)
• 2 vegan bouillon cubes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for color)
• 1 ¾ cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups long grain rice (washed and drained)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Make the Pepper Sauce: Blend the Roma tomatoes, red bell peppers, half of the red onion, and habanero peppers in a blender until you get a smooth puree. This will serve as the flavorful base for your Jollof rice.
2. Sauté Onions and Bay Leaves: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bay leaves, frying them for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
3. Cook Pepper Sauce: Add the blended pepper sauce to the pot along with thyme, bouillon cubes, and tomato paste. Cook this mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raw smell dissipates and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add Stock and Rice: Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil while covered. Add the washed and drained rice, stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to low-medium.
5. Simmer the Rice: Cover the pot tightly—either with foil or a lid—and let the rice cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, gently stir to prevent sticking and check the rice’s doneness.
6. Finish Cooking: Continue cooking covered for another 2 to 4 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
7. Create Optional Crispy Bottom: Increase the heat to medium-high for about 1 minute to form a slightly crispy crust at the bottom of the pot, a classic finishing touch for Jollof rice.
8. Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir the crispy rice at the bottom to the top. Garnish with additional sliced onions if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

• Adjust the number of habanero peppers to control the spice level according to your taste.
• Using tomato paste is optional but gives the rice a rich red color and deeper flavor.
• Washing and draining the rice removes excess starch and prevents clumping for a better texture.
• For a more authentic flavor, using vegetable stock or water with vegan bouillon works well, maintaining this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Covering the pot tightly helps trap steam so the rice cooks evenly.
• The crispy bottom, called “party rice,” is optional but adds a delicious texture contrast prized in Nigerian cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Nigerian

Keywords: Nigerian Jollof, Jollof Rice, African Rice Recipes, Spicy Rice, Vegan Jollof, One Pot Meals