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How to Cook Nigerian Jollof Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
Nigerian Jollof rice is a beloved West African dish. Here’s how to make it:
- Blend tomatoes, peppers, and onions
- Fry the blend with spices to make a rich base
- Add parboiled rice and cook until fluffy
Key tips:
- Use long-grain parboiled rice
- Cook tomato base well before adding rice
- Steam is crucial – cover pot tightly
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Rice | 4 cups |
Tomatoes | 6-8 |
Peppers | 2-3 |
Onions | 1-2 |
Spices | To taste |
Serve with fried plantains, chicken, or fish for a complete meal.
Common issues:
- Undercooked rice? Add water and keep cooking
- Too watery? Drain excess liquid
- Burned bottom? Embrace the smoky flavor!
Master these basics and you’ll be making party-worthy Jollof in no time.
Related video from YouTube
What You’ll Need
To make great Jollof rice, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Must-Have Items
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Long-grain parboiled rice | 5 cups | “Easy cook” rice in the UK |
Tomato paste | 312 ml | For color and flavor |
Red bell peppers | 6 | Very red ones are best |
Onions | 1 large | Red onions preferred |
Vegetable oil | 2 cups | For frying |
Chicken broth | 4-6 cups | Homemade if possible |
Spices | Various | Curry powder, thyme, bay leaves |
Extra Add-Ins
Want to spice it up? Try these:
- Scotch bonnet peppers (1-2) for heat
- Garlic and ginger for flavor
- Butter (2 Tbsp) for richness
- Liquid smoke (1 tsp) for smokiness
Picking Good Ingredients
Your rice and tomatoes can make or break your Jollof. Here’s what to look for:
- Rice: Choose parboiled long-grain rice. It holds up well and doesn’t get mushy.
- Tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe plum tomatoes. Can’t find good ones? Quality tinned tomatoes work too.
Pro tip: Rinse your rice in warm water before cooking. It removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping.
Getting Ready to Cook
Time to prep for your Jollof rice. This step is key for flavor.
Preparing the Rice
Measure 4 cups of long-grain rice. Rinse it well under cool water, then soak for 30 minutes.
“Washing and soaking removes excess starch for fluffy rice”, says Chef Immaculate Ruému.
Cutting Veggies and Measuring Spices
Ingredient | Prep |
---|---|
Tomatoes | Chop 3 medium Roma |
Red bell pepper | Chop 1 large |
Red onion | Slice 1/2 large |
Ginger | Chop small piece |
Garlic | Mince 2-3 cloves |
Habanero pepper | Chop finely (optional) |
Spices: 1 tsp seasoned salt, 1/2 tsp curry powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, pinch of dried thyme.
Making the Tomato Base
Blend veggies until smooth. Heat oil, add blend, simmer 20 minutes. Add tomato paste and spices, cook 5 more minutes.
“The tomato base is crucial. It’s Jollof’s signature”, notes Ozoz Sokoh, Nigerian food explorer.
Now you’re set to cook your Jollof rice.
Cooking Steps
How to Cook Jollof Rice

1. Prep the base
Heat oil in a deep pot. Fry diced onions and bay leaves until onions are translucent.
2. Make tomato mix
Blend tomatoes, bell pepper, and scotch bonnets. Add to pot with tomato paste. Fry for 30 minutes, stirring often.
3. Season and add stock
Mix in spices and stock cube. Pour in chicken stock and boil for 10 minutes.
4. Cook the rice
Add parboiled rice. Level it with the tomato mix. Add bay leaves, cover, and cook on medium-low for 15-30 minutes.
5. Finish up
When liquid’s almost gone, add reserved tomato mix. Cover and cook until dry.
Making It Perfect
- Use long-grain parboiled rice
- 1:1 water to rice ratio
- Cover pot tightly for steam
- Add white pepper and butter for flavor
“Jollof rice needs steam and not liquid to cook perfectly.” – Sisi Jemimah, Food Blogger
Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Fix |
---|---|
Mushy rice | Use parboiled rice, don’t overcook |
Burning | Add boiling water if needed |
Bland taste | Don’t skimp on spices |
Uneven cooking | Stir every 5-10 minutes |
For smoky flavor, let the bottom layer burn slightly. As Hema Agwu says: “You need to use a special pot that can burn a little bit on the bottom. You want your dish to have a smoky flavor, and that comes from the burning at the bottom of the pot.”
Different Ways to Make It
Jollof rice isn’t a one-size-fits-all dish. It varies across West Africa, with each region adding its own twist.
Regional Differences
Nigerian and Ghanaian jollof rice are the most popular versions:
Feature | Nigerian Jollof | Ghanaian Jollof |
---|---|---|
Rice type | Long-grain parboiled | Perfumed Thai jasmine |
Key spices | Curry powder, thyme, white pepper | Ginger, garlic |
Cooking method | Rich tomato sauce | Complex spice blend |
Typical sides | Fried plantain, Nigerian salad, coleslaw | Shito (spicy sauce), fried plantain, meat or fish |
Nigerian jollof focuses on a rich tomato base, while Ghanaian jollof uses a more complex spice mix.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Want to make jollof rice plant-based? Here’s how:
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
- Swap butter or ghee for oil
- Toss in extra veggies like carrots, corn, or peas
As recipe author Chichi Uguru puts it: “You don’t have to miss out on the culinary masterpiece that is Jollof Rice because it isn’t vegan.”
Adjusting Spiciness
Like it mild or hot? You can tweak the heat:
- For less heat: Skip the peppers or remove seeds and ribs
- For more kick: Go for habaneros
- Middle ground: Try Thai chili peppers
The type and amount of pepper you use can COMPLETELY change the dish’s flavor.
“Although there is some debate between Nigerians and Ghanaians about the specifics, we know one thing for sure, our long-grain Mahatma® Basmati Rice pairs perfectly with the spicy flavors of the habanero pepper and vibrant colors of this dish.” – Vanessa Bell, Latina Mom and blogger at “De Su Mama”
No matter how you make it, jollof rice is a West African staple that’s great for everyday meals and special occasions.
What to Serve with Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is great, but it’s even better with the right sides. Here’s what you need to know:
Popular Side Dishes
Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Roast Beef | Tender and juicy, perfect with the rice |
Suya | Spicy beef kebabs for a flavor kick |
Dodo (Fried Plantains) | Sweet balance to savory rice |
Moin Moin | Protein-packed bean pudding |
Grilled Chicken | Quick and easy protein option |
Fried Fish | Versatile and tasty |
Kachumbari | Fresh Tanzanian salad |
Want veggies? Toss together a mixed salad with tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and beets.
Serving Tips
Everyday meals:
- Big bowl of jollof rice
- Sides around the rice
- Simple salad on the side
Special events:
- Jollof rice as the star
- Variety of sides (meat and veggie options)
“A plate and a fork. #PureJollof Other accompaniments are optional.” – Jite (@GoJay1Go)
Some like it plain, but most prefer sides. Mix it up and find your favorite combo!
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Fixing Common Problems
Cooking Jollof rice isn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s how to tackle common issues:
Undercooked Rice
Rice still crunchy? No problem:
- Add ½ cup water
- Simmer with lid on
- Cook until tender
Burned Rice
- Tarmac black? Toss it
- Toasty and crispy? Use as a crunchy topping
- Slightly burned? Scrape up crispy bits
Watery Rice
Too much liquid? Drain it like pasta using a fine-mesh strainer.
Too Salty
Cook a batch of unsalted rice and mix it in. Problem solved.
Sticky or Mushy Rice
- Wash rice before cooking
- Let it steam for 25-30 minutes undisturbed
Raw Tomato Taste
Fry that tomato base well before adding rice.
Uneven Cooking
Cover pot lid with foil to trap steam.
“Jollof requires patience. God didn’t do sharp-sharp with you so why are you rushing greatness?” – Tonetta Ezeani
Nutrition Facts
Let’s look at what’s in your Jollof rice and how to make it healthier.
What’s in Jollof Rice
A cup of Jollof rice (192g) contains:
Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories | 393 | – |
Total Fat | 15g | 19% |
Carbs | 58g | 21% |
Protein | 5.4g | – |
Sodium | 478mg | 21% |
It’s heavy on carbs and fat, mainly from rice and cooking oil.
Making It Healthier
Jollof rice isn’t a health food, but you can improve it:
- Use less oil. Just enough to cook the base.
- Add veggies. Carrots, peas, or bell peppers boost nutrients and fiber.
- Switch to brown rice. More fiber and nutrients than white rice.
- Spice it up. Herbs and spices add flavor without calories:
- Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory
- Ginger: Aids digestion
- Garlic: Immune booster
- Choose lean protein. Opt for chicken breast or fish.
- Make your own broth. Control the salt content.
Try this spice mix for healthier Jollof (for 5 cups of rice):
Spice | Amount |
---|---|
Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
Ginger | 1 inch piece, grated |
Thyme | 1 tbsp (dried) |
Paprika | 1 tbsp |
Turmeric | 1 tsp |
Black pepper | 2 tsp |
These tweaks can make your Jollof rice tastier AND healthier. Win-win!
Storing Leftovers
How to Store It
Here’s how to keep your Jollof Rice fresh and safe:
1. Cool it fast
Spread the rice on a baking sheet. Cool it within an hour of cooking.
2. Seal it up
Put the cooled rice in airtight containers or ziplock bags.
3. Fridge it quick
Get it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
4. Label it
Write what’s inside and when you made it on the container.
5. Freeze for later
For up to 3 months, store flat in freezer bags.
Where | How Long | Pro Tip |
---|---|---|
Fridge | 3-4 days | Use shallow containers |
Freezer | 3 months | Squeeze out the air |
Reheating Tips
Want to reheat without ruining your Jollof? Here’s how:
Microwave:
- Add a splash of water (1 tsp per cup of rice)
- Cover and zap on HIGH for a minute per cup
- Fluff it up with a fork
Stovetop:
- Melt some butter or oil in a pan
- Toss in the rice and a splash of water
- Cover and heat on medium for 5 minutes
Frozen rice:
- Microwave on HIGH for 2-3 minutes
- Break it up before heating
- Fluff and serve right away
“Cooked rice must be refrigerated if you plan to eat it within one or three days.” – Hungry Huy
Remember: Only reheat once. Food safety first!
Where to Buy Ingredients
MyAfricanShop: Your UK African Grocery Source
MyAfricanShop is the place to go for African groceries in the UK. They’ve got everything you need for Jollof Rice and other African dishes. Here’s why they’re great:
- No minimum order
- Quick home delivery
- Authentic ingredients from their home countries
- Buy in bulk or just what you need
Emmanuel Donkor, a happy customer, says:
“I was really pleased with my order. The packaging was excellent. I felt like I was in nigeria. I was able to buy items I have missed for so long. Thanks to Ogbonge. I hope to shop again.”
Choosing Quality Ingredients
When shopping for Jollof Rice, remember:
- Rice: Go for long-grain like Basmati or Jasmine
- Tomatoes: Pick ripe, firm ones (or good canned options)
- Spices: Fresh and aromatic is best
Here’s a quick price guide:
Item | Price Range |
---|---|
Fresh Puna Yam | From $29.00 |
Fresh Okra (Okro) | From $7.00 |
Fresh White Yam | From $26.00 |
Golden Morn | $6.00 |
Ayoola Pounded Yam | $6.00 |
Frozen Turkey Wings | From $11.00 |
Frozen Tilapia | From $20.00 |
Wrap-Up
Jollof Rice isn’t just food—it’s a West African party on a plate. Now that you know the secrets, it’s time to cook.
Key points:
- Use parboiled long-grain rice
- Cook tomato stew until oil surfaces
- Save some tomato mix for later
- Plastic wrap + lid = perfect steam
Quick process recap:
Step | What to Do |
---|---|
1 | Make tomato base |
2 | Parboil rice |
3 | Mix rice and tomato |
4 | Steam on low |
5 | Add reserved tomato, finish cooking |
Don’t sweat if it’s not perfect at first. Ev from Ev’s Eats says:
“As long as you have the main ingredients and you season appropriately, then your jollof should come out perfectly.”
Pair with fried plantains, roast chicken, or stewed goat. Let it rest before serving—flavors need to mingle.
Need ingredients? MyAfricanShop’s got you covered with home delivery.
So, ready to dive in? Grab that pot, get those ingredients, and let’s make some Jollof Rice. Your taste buds won’t know what hit them!
FAQs
What’s the best seasoning for jollof rice?
The best jollof rice seasoning packs a punch with:
- Thyme
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic granules
- Onion granules
- Tomato puree
Want the real deal? Try The Spice Bar‘s Jollof Rice Seasoning. It’s got bay leaves, curry, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and chicken bouillon.
What’s the secret to great Jollof rice?
Great jollof rice is all about steam and heat control. Here’s the lowdown:
1. Steam is king
Jollof rice needs steam more than water. It’s not your average rice dish.
2. Play with the heat
Don’t set it and forget it. Adjust the heat as you cook for the best results.
3. Seal it tight
Use foil and a snug lid to keep that steam in. It’s like a sauna for your rice.
Step | What to do |
---|---|
1 | Cover rice with foil |
2 | Turn heat to low |
3 | Don’t peek! |
Nigerian Chef Hema Agwu says:
“You need a pot that can burn a bit on the bottom. That smoky flavor? It’s from the burnt bits.”
Food blogger Sisi Jemimah adds:
“Jollof rice needs steam, not liquid, to cook perfectly.”