Authentic Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe

Ratings

Expert Rating

4.9

95% confidence

Final Score

4.9

90% confidence

Category Scores

9.8

Taste

7.5

Difficulty

9.5

Presentation

8.0

Nutrition

9.5

Value

9.0

Instructions

9.5

Ingredients

9.0

Time Accuracy

9.5

Would Make Again

9.3

Overall

Cooking Timeline

Prep 20 min

Cook 40 min

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7 30 min

Ingredients

Servings

Units

Base Blend

6 medium roma tomatoes
3 large red bell peppers (tatashe)
2 pieces scotch bonnet peppers (habanero, adjust to taste)
2 medium onions (divided)

Rice & Stew

4 cups long grain parboiled rice (rinsed)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
5 oz tomato paste (concentrated)
3 cups chicken stock (hot)

Seasoning

1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp dried thyme
2 pieces bay leaves
2 tbsp bouillon powder (chicken flavor)
salt (to taste)

Equipment

Blender For smooth pepper and tomato blend
Heavy-bottomed pot Essential for achieving the party-style bottom crust
Aluminum foil For trapping steam

Instructions

1

Blend the roma tomatoes, red bell peppers, scotch bonnets, and one chopped onion together until smooth.
2

Pour the blended mixture into a pot and boil on medium-high heat until excess water evaporates and it reduces to a paste.
3

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot, add sliced onions, and fry until translucent.
4

Add the tomato paste and fry for about 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning until it turns dark red.
5

Pour in the reduced pepper blend, add curry powder, thyme, bay leaves, and bouillon powder. Fry together for 10 minutes.
6

Add the washed parboiled rice and chicken stock, stirring well to combine with the stew.
7

Cover tightly with foil paper and a lid to trap steam, then cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
30 min

Nutrition

Calories 380

Protein 7g

Carbs 62g

Fat 11g

Fiber 3g

Sugar 6g

Sodium 550g

Serving Size 1 serving

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

The ultimate West African comfort dish packed with deep flavor, vibrant color, and authentic spices.

Pros

Rich and smoky flavor
Crowd-pleaser
Freezes well

Cons

Requires careful heat management to avoid burning

Overview

Traditional Nigerian Jollof rice cooked in a rich tomato, pepper, and broth reduction.

AI Insights

Summary

An authentic recipe for Nigerian Jollof rice focusing on building a rich tomato-pepper base and steaming the rice to perfection.

Tips

Always boil down the blended tomato and pepper mix before frying to remove raw sour taste
Use foil paper under the pot lid to seal in the steam for even cooking
Pair with fried plantains and coleslaw for the ultimate traditional experience