All in One Digest

Jollof rice is a cherished and flavorful West African dish that has become popular globally, particularly in African communities. This one-pot rice meal combines tomatoes, onions, and an array of seasonings, often paired with meat, fish, or vegetables. It plays a significant role in many festive occasions, family gatherings, and special events, including weddings, holidays, and parties. Below is a thorough exploration of everything you need to know about Jollof rice:

INGREDIENTS OVERVIEW

Here’s a completely detailed overview and breakdown of the ingredients:

• Ripe vine tomatoes: These plump, juicy tomatoes are the foundational element of the sauce, providing a fresh and tangy base.
• Sweet red bell peppers: These vibrant peppers lend a natural sweetness that perfectly balances out the spiciness in the dish.
• Mild red onions: These onions offer a gentler, slightly sweet flavor, helping to create a well-rounded, savory base for the sauce.
• Aromatic garlic: This essential ingredient brings a rich depth of flavor with its bold, fragrant qualities, enriching the overall dish.
• Fresh ginger: Known for its sharp, tangy taste, ginger adds an essential aromatic and vibrant note to the sauce.
• Spicy red scotch bonnet chilies: These fiery chilies are key to adding heat and intensity to the dish, and the amount can be adjusted to suit personal spice preferences.
• Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the onions and other ingredients, this oil helps to create a smooth, rich base for the sauce.
• Concentrated tomato purée (DeRica): This deep, rich tomato paste intensifies the flavor of the sauce, giving it a tangy and savory kick.
• Curry powder: A blend of spices that imparts a comforting warmth and depth, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
• Dried thyme: A herb that adds an earthy, slightly floral note, harmonizing the bold flavors of the tomatoes and spices.
• Chicken stock cubes: These cubes dissolve into the sauce, enriching it with a savory, umami depth, and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Dried bay leaves: These leaves infuse the dish with a subtle, aromatic essence that complements the other ingredients.
• Fluffy white basmati rice: This long-grain rice has a light, delicate texture that absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

How to Make Delicious Jollof Rice: A Step-by-Step Recipe

For the base:

• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium vine tomatoes, chopped
• 1 red onion, quartered
• 2 red scotch bonnet chillies, quartered
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 25g fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 100ml water

For the rice:

• 150ml vegetable oil
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 150g double concentrated tomato purée (e.g., DeRica)
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 3 chicken stock cubes
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 600ml water
• 600g white basmati rice

Instructions

1. Blend the base:
   Place the red bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, scotch bonnet chillies, garlic, ginger, and water in a blender. Blitz until smooth.
2. Cook the sauce:
   Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in tomato purée and cook for another 3-5 minutes until it darkens.
3. Simmer the base:
   Add the blended base to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Partially cover to reduce splattering. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the sauce reduces by a third and the oil begins to separate.
4. Add spices and water:
   Stir in curry powder, thyme, stock cubes, bay leaves, and 600ml water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and bring to a boil.
5. Prepare the rice:
   While the sauce is boiling, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well. Add the rice to the pot, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes.
6. Final touches:
   Once the rice absorbs the liquid and is cooked through, remove the bay leaves, stir the rice, and serve. Pair with grilled chicken and fried plantains for a complete meal.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked Jollof rice!