How to prepare Nigerian Jollof
As a Nigerian who enjoys her indigenous food, I can tell you that Nigerian jollof is one of the best recipes in Nigeria. The food is giving and Yes, it's tasty and nutritious.
Nigerian jollof is one food that must be served at every Nigerian celebration as it is considered one of the most loved recipe of Nigerian people.
I have decided to share with you today all you need to know about Nigerian jollof and how to prepare it, it is something that you should try if you've never tried it before.
Here are the ingredients you need for your spicy jollof:
Cups of long-grain parboiled rice
Can (400g) of plum tomatoes or 4 large fresh tomatoes
Red bell pepper
Scotch bonnet pepper (ata rodo)
Medium onion (half for blending, half for cooking)
Cups of chicken or beef broth (or water)
Cup of vegetable or palm oil
Thyme
Teaspoon curry powder
Teaspoon paprika (optional)
Teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
Teaspoon white or black pepper
Teaspoons seasoning powder/cubes
Tablespoon tomato paste
Bay leaf
Cup of mixed vegetables (optional)
Teaspoon butter (optional, for added flavor)
Now these are all you need for a spicy pot of jollof rice,you should make sure that you have them in handy before you enter the preparations stage.
This is where we'll start the preparations for our jollof rice and you should follow each instruction, carefully to avoid making mistakes.
Instructions:
1. Blend the tomatoes, red bell pepper, Scotch bonnet, and half an onion until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a pot and boil until it thickens and reduces.
2. Parboil the Rice:
Rinse and parboil the rice for 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Heat the vegetable oil in a pot. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
Add the tomato paste and fry for 3-5 minutes to remove its raw taste.
Pour in the blended tomato mixture and cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the thyme, curry powder, paprika, seasoning cubes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Cook the Jollof Rice:
Add the parboiled rice to the sauce and mix well.
Pour in the chicken or beef broth (or water) and add the bay leaf. Stir and cover.
Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Once the rice is soft and the liquid is absorbed, add butter and mixed vegetables (if using).
Stir well, cover, and let it steam for another 5 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat, let it sit for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Serve with fried plantains, grilled chicken, beef, or fish.
