To prepare Nigerian jollof rice, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups of long-grain parboiled rice
1 cup of tomato puree or blended tomatoes
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 onion (chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 teaspoons of thyme
2 teaspoons of curry powder
2 teaspoons of paprika or chili powder (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon of chicken or vegetable bouillon powder
1-2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of cooked or grilled chicken (optional for added protein)
Here is the step-by-step process to prepare Nigerian jollof rice:
1. Rinse your rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Parboil the rice by boiling it for about 8–10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Add the tomato puree or blended tomatoes to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the diced bell peppers, thyme, curry powder, paprika or chili powder (if desired), and bouillon powder. Stir well to combine, and let it cook for another 3–4 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, starting with about 1 cup, and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Add the parboiled rice to the pot and stir well to incorporate it into the tomato mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for about 20–25 minutes, or until it is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. If using cooked or grilled chicken, you can add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking, stirring it into the rice to warm it up.
8. Taste the jollof rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Once the rice is cooked and seasoned to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve the Nigerian jollof rice hot as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled or fried chicken, fried plantains, or coleslaw.
Enjoy your homemade Nigerian jollof rice.
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