Description
Spicy West African Jollof Rice delights with a rich and flavorful taste, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped red and green bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the rinsed rice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- If using, add the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the tomato mixture.
- Customize your Jollof rice by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like carrots and corn for added flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: varies
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg