West African Jollof Rice
Authentic West African Jollof Rice is a flavorful dish made with long-grain rice, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of spices, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice Rinsed under cold water until clear
- ¼ cup vegetable oil Can substitute with olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth Ensure it is gluten-free if needed
- Optional: protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, etc.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
Cooking the Base
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Adding Vegetables
- Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Incorporating Tomatoes
- Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Seasoning the Mixture
- Season with paprika, thyme, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to integrate the flavors.
Combining with Rice
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot, mixing thoroughly to coat the rice with the sauce.
Cooking Rice
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
Serving
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and serve hot, optionally topped with protein.
Notes
Perfect for meal prep; tastes better the next day. Suitable for various dietary preferences with easy substitutions.