How do you cook Nigerian jollof rice? This question calls for an in-depth explanation and analysis because a lot of consumers of jollof rice in the world do not know the difference between Nigerian jollof rice and the one cooked in other countries, not to talk of being able to cook the former.

Nigerian Jollof Rice is a popular and flavorful one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a variety of spices. It’s a staple in Nigerian cuisine and is often served at special occasions and celebrations.

Below is a breakdown of how to cook Nigerian Jollof rice.

Cooking Instruction

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water and set aside.
Blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger until smooth. If using Scotch bonnet peppers, add them to the blender as well.

2. Cook the Tomato Blend

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the blended tomato mixture to the hot oil and stir.

Cook the tomato blend until it thickens, and the oil begins to separate from the mixture. This may take about 10-15 minutes.
Add Spices:

Add thyme, curry powder, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the tomato blend. Stir well to combine.

3. Cook the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir until the rice is well-coated with the tomato mixture.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4. Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the rice to simmer. Check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Cook Until Done

Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

6. Optional: Add Protein

If you want to include cooked chicken, beef, or fish, add it at this point and stir until well combined. Allow it to heat through.
Serve:

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

Serve the Nigerian Jollof Rice hot, garnished with additional diced tomatoes or green onions if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Nigerian Jollof Rice! Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and add your favourite proteins or vegetables.

Ingredients for Nigerian Jollof Rice

2 cups long-grain parboiled rice

3 to 4 large tomatoes

1 to 2 red bell peppers

1 to 2 onions

3 to 4 cloves of garlic

1 piece of ginger (about 1 inch)

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons thyme

2 teaspoons curry powder

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 to 2 Scotch bonnet peppers for heat (adjust to your spice preference)

Optional: Cooked chicken, beef, or fish for added protein

Nigerian jollof rice is not hard to cook, and with the steps above, you can do it easily and effortlessly.