11/03/2026
Recipe 1- Authentic Nigerian Jollof Rice
A rich, smoky one-pot rice dish loved across West Africa.
Ingredients
3 cups long grain parboiled rice
6 medium fresh tomatoes
3 red bell peppers
1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional for heat)
2 medium onions
3 cloves garlic
1 small piece ginger
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2–3 seasoning cubes
2 bay leaves
Salt to taste
3–4 cups chicken stock
Vegetarian option:
Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1 – Wash the rice
Wash the rice thoroughly in clean water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the pepper blend
Blend together the tomatoes, red bell peppers, scotch bonnet pepper, one onion, garlic and ginger until smooth.
Step 3 – Heat the oil
Place a large pot on medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
Step 4 – Fry the onions
Slice the remaining onion and fry it in the hot oil for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5 – Add tomato paste
Add the tomato paste to the pot and fry for about 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously.
Step 6 – Add blended pepper mixture
Pour the blended tomato and pepper mixture into the pot. Cook on medium heat for about 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces.
Step 7 – Season the sauce
Add curry powder, thyme, seasoning cubes, bay leaves and salt to taste. Stir well.
Step 8 – Add stock
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
Vegetarian option:
Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Step 9 – Add the rice
Add the washed rice to the pot and stir well so the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 10 – Cover and cook
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and allow the rice to cook slowly for about 25–30 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 11 – serve
Once cooked , Serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
grilled chicken
fried plantain
salad
beef or fish
For a vegetarian meal, pair with fried plantain and sautéed vegetables.
