Ghanaian Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is a popular West African dish featuring rice cooked in a flavorful tomato and pepper-based sauce. It's known for its vibrant color and rich taste, with variations across different West African countries. Often served with chicken, fish, or beef, Jollof rice is a versatile and beloved choice for various occasions. The debate over which country makes the best Jollof rice is a lively one among food enthusiasts in the region. But on this blog, Ghana is the best.
Ingredients
Jollof Rice
- 3 Cups Jasmine rice
- 4 Tbsp tomato paste
- Ginger, Garlic, and Onion Paste
- 1 Tsp dried rosemary
- 1 Maggi cube seasoning cube or packet
- 2 Tsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp curry powder
- Tomatoes
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 1 Sliced onion
- 3 Bay leaf
- 1 Tsp black pepper
- 3 Cups chicken stock or a mixture of stock and water
- 1/2 Cup any neutral oil
- Optional: deseed scotch bonnet
Ginger, Garlic, and Onion Paste with tomato
- 2 Thumb-size pieces of ginger
- 1 Large onion
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 3 tomatoes
Toppings
- Avocado
- Boiled eggs
- English beans (rinsed off)
Directions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- In a blender, make a paste by combining onion, garlic, tomato, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
- In a large pot or skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and garlic and sautée onions until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomato paste is a noticeably different color and texture stirring occasionally.
- Add Ginger, Garlic, and Onion Paste with tomato and stir. Cook until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate.
- Add spices. Stir well to combine.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat the rice evenly with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in about 3 cups of chicken (adjust as needed based on your rice's cooking instructions), stir, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Serve your delicious Jollof rice on its own or as a side dish with your preferred protein.
Love,
Sey
Why you'll love this recipe
Jollof is one of the most flavorful rice dishes you can ever eat (No exaggeration). It has a lot of spices but it is not necessarily spicy. It has a complex but comforting medley of flavors that is beyond its culinary appeal, Jollof rice holds cultural significance, often being the centerpiece of celebrations and communal feasts in West Africa. The dish's vibrant reddish-orange color adds to its visual allure, making it not only a flavorful experience but also a feast for the eyes. Recognized globally, Jollof rice is cherished for its simplicity in preparation, making it accessible to a broad audience, and its comforting, homey qualities evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
About Me
Seyeats, is a passionate food aficionado and blogger, With an insatiable love for all things food-related, she delves into the world of flavors, crafting incredible recipes that span the globe.
