Jollof Rice – The Ultimate West African Party Dish
Jollof rice is hands down the most popular dish in West Africa.It’s that festive, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll find at weddings, family gatherings, and every big celebration.Made with long-grain rice simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, it’s colorful, flavorful, and always the star of the table.
Ingredients
- 500 g rice long-grain or parboiled rice
- 1 L water including chicken stock
- 4 tbsp fresh tomatoes blended
- 1 tbsp tomato paste concentrated purée
- 2 chili peppers optional, adjust to taste
- 3 tbsp red bell pepper chopped
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp onions crushed
- 1 large onion for the tomato sauce
- 1 small onion
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp ginger grated
- 5 cloves garlic crushed
- A few springs parsley
- 1 kg chicken thighs or any part of your choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the chicken
- Make a quick marinade by crushing onions, parsley, garlic, ginger, and chili pepper together.
- In a pot, add the chicken pieces and pour over the marinade. Add sliced onion, salt, and pepper. Cover with water.
- Boil for about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken and keep the broth for later.
Step 2 – Make the tomato sauce
- Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden brown.
- Blend the tomatoes, red bell peppers, and onions together until smooth.
- Cook this mixture in a small pot for about 10 minutes, until most of the water evaporates and it thickens.
Step 3 – Make the Jollof
- In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the sliced onion until caramelized.
- Add the tomato paste and fry for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the blended tomato and pepper mixture. Season with curry, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Pour in the chicken stock. Taste and adjust seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed.
- Add the rice and mix well so every grain is coated with sauce.
- Cover the pot with aluminum foil, then the lid, to trap the steam.
- Cook on low heat for about 15 minutes — do not stir or open the pot.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Serve warm with fried or grilled chicken on top.
- Enjoy your Jollof Rice — the pride of West Africa!
