How to Make the Perfect Jollof Rice: Smokey, Rich, and Delicious

Jollof rice is a beloved West African dish known for its rich, smoky flavor and vibrant color. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or a special occasion, this recipe will guide you through creating the perfect Jollof rice.

What to Serve with Jollof Rice

Jollof rice is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. Consider serving it with:

Fried Plantains: Sweet and caramelized, they complement the savory rice.
Grilled or Fried Chicken: Adds protein and enhances the meal’s flavor.
Grilled Fish: Offers a lighter, yet flavorful pairing.
Salad or Coleslaw: Provides a refreshing contrast to the rich rice.
Moi Moi: A steamed bean pudding that adds texture and taste.

📝 Ingredients

For the Pepper Mix:
3 medium bell peppers
5 medium Roma tomatoes
2 scotch bonnet peppers
1 medium onion
For Frying:
½ cup vegetable oil (or oil of choice)
1 large onion, chopped
18 oz tomato paste (not tomato sauce)
2 seasoning cubes (or 2 teaspoons crushed bouillon cube powder)
1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp curry powder
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp salt
2½ cups rich chicken broth
1 cup water
8 cups rice

Instructions

Prepare the Meat: Boil your choice of meat (chicken, beef, turkey, or goat) with onion, garlic, salt, seasoning cubes, thyme, and curry. Once cooked, separate the meat from the stock and grill or air-fry until golden brown.
Blend the Pepper Mix: Blend the tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and scotch bonnet peppers until smooth.
Cook the Pepper Mix: Transfer the blended mix to a wide pot and boil until reduced (about 15 minutes, depending on the amount of water used).
Fry the Tomato Paste: In a separate pot, heat vegetable oil and fry the chopped onion until translucent. Add the tomato paste and fry for about 15 minutes until it looks grainy. This step removes the tangy taste of the tomato paste.
Combine Mixtures: Add the boiled-down pepper mix to the fried tomato paste. Season with salt, curry, thyme, and bay leaves. Fry for an additional 10 minutes.
Add Liquids: Pour in the meat stock and water. Stir well.
Add Rice: Wash the rice multiple times until the water runs clear. Add the washed rice to the pot, cover with foil, and allow to cook for about 20 minutes.
Final Touches: After 20 minutes, check the rice. If it seems dry, add 3 teaspoons of butter and allow it to melt with the heat.
Serve: Serve the Jollof rice with the grilled or air-fried meat. Optionally, garnish with fried plantains and a side salad.