Do you know how to cook Jollof rice with tomato paste? It is as simple as it appears but slightly different from fresh tomato jollof rice, mainly prepared with fresh pepper whether native or party jollof, tomato paste is an important ingredient for jollof rice preparation.

For those who can’t cook jollof rice with the use of tomato paste, this piece is for you to devour and put the procedures to good use. And for those conversant with jollof rice preparation that involves tomato paste, you stand a chance to learn something and we admonish you to add it to your already acquired skills.

Remember, jollof rice tastes differently when cooked with tomato paste, but that does not mean that the versions cooked with fresh tomato and other varieties of tomato are not cool, it is about preference and individual choice.

Hello, this is how to cook Jollof rice with tin tomato paste. It is not hard to cook but there is a little secret ingredient to achieving that jollof rice taste you get from fresh tomato fruits. The addition of plenty of onion and pepper while blending. That’s the secret to tasty tin tomato jollof rice.

Ways to Cook Jollof Rice with Tomato Paste

To cook your jollof rice with tomato paste, kindly follow the steps below:

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water and set aside.

2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil or palm oil over medium heat.

3. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a few minutes to remove the raw taste.

5. Add blended or chopped tomatoes and bell peppers to the pot. Stir well to combine.

6. Add scotch bonnet peppers if you want some heat. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

7. Allow the tomato and pepper mixture to cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

8. Pour in the stock or water and bring the mixture to a boil.

9. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, curry powder, bay leaves, and any other desired seasonings. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

10. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice evenly with the tomato mixture.

11. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but it can vary based on the type of rice.

12. Optional: If using protein, you can add it at this stage. Place the protein on top of the rice, cover the pot, and let it cook until the protein is done.

13. Once the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, fluff the rice with a fork.

14. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Jollof Rice with Tomato Paste!

How to Make Jollof with Tomato Paste?

Remove half the onions to a plate and put aside. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about two minutes.

Add the tomato paste, turmeric and smoked paprika, if using, and toast, stirring occasionally, until turmeric is fragrant and the tomato paste has deepened to a dark red colour, about two minutes.

How Do You Cook with Tomato Paste?

Stirring some caramelized tomato paste into chilis, sautéed vegetables, braised meats, soups, and sauces adds tons of savoriness, and ups the complexity factor in a great way.

You can also add it to marinades for some colour or mix some into the classic pizza sauce for a change of pace.