Sadaf is sharing this post for Nigerian jollof rice today. It’s an extremely popular recipe in West Africa.
My in-laws are of Indian origin but spent nearly three decades of their lives in Nigeria before moving to the US around fifteen years ago. Like his brothers, my husband was born and brought up in Nigeria. During nine years of my marriage, I have heard some fascinating tales of Nigerian culture and the wonderful times that they enjoyed there.
It’s almost considered a feast in my house whenever Nigerian food is cooked. I remember the first time when my brother-in-law cooked Nigerian Beef Stew for all of us just a few days after my marriage. My husband, unaware of my adventurous taste buds asked me if I would be able to handle the fiery dish. To his surprise not only did I enjoy it along with pounded yam, it actually went on to become one of my favorite dishes over the years. Now whenever it’s cooked I can’t resist eating it for days in a row.
Jollof rice is another of my favorite Nigerian dishes that are often cooked in my house. We like having it with grilled meat and stir-fried vegetables or salad.
I believe there are many versions of Jollof rice that are popular all over West Africa. The version that we make at home is a basic one using red bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, tomato paste, scotch bonnet peppers/habanero peppers, Maggi cube seasoning and parboiled rice.
I often add my own touches such as garlic, ginger and green peas. You can choose to skip the tomato paste and use more tomatoes instead or vice-versa. Traditionally, palm oil is used in Nigerian dishes but I often substitute it with canola oil for health reasons.
All ingredients for this version of Jollof Rice can easily be found in major supermarkets, except for Maggi cubes and palm oil which are found in African grocery stores. A word of caution regarding scotch bonnet peppers – they are extremely HOT, so even a little goes a long way.
Nigerian Jollof Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Parboiled Long Grain Rice
- 1 medium onion
- 1 Red Bell pepper
- 3 Roma Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- ½ – 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper / Habanero Pepper
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 inch piece ginger
- 3-4 cubes Maggi seasoning
- 3-4 tablespoons Palm Oil or Canola Oil
- ¾ cup frozen Green Peas
Instructions
Wash and soak the rice for 2-3 hours
In a blender blend together onion, red bell pepper, tomatoes, tomato paste, scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, ginger and Maggi cubes with just enough water to make a paste.
Heat oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan and add the blended mixture.
Sauté the mixture on medium heat until it thickens and oil separates from it.
Add drained rice and stir gently so that the sauce coats the rice.
Add about 2.5 cups of water and bring it to a boil on medium heat. Taste the water to check seasoning. Add more Maggi cubes or salt if required. Keep stirring gently periodically so that rice does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
When almost all the water is absorbed add frozen green peas. Stir gently, cover the pan and simmer on very low heat until rice is cooked. Fluff gently with a fork. Serve with grilled meat and vegetables or salad.
In today’s post we travel to Africa, Nigeria specifically, to enjoy a rice dish. Oddly enough rice isn’t big in Morocco though you’ll find all sorts of rice dishes around Africa and the Middle East. This recipe is from Sadaf who blogs at My Culinary Adventures where you can find some great recipes for Ramadan and beyond. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Enjoy!
Khadija
Monday 11th of April 2022
I Am excited you sharing Nigeria most popular food "jellof rice or party jellof rice".. It's a craving most people look out for at weddings n parties.. I am also a Nigerian base here in Morocco n I prepare it most often. I can't do without it 😆. It's also nice hearing your husband his a Nigerian I hope his my tribe😂. 💖🌹to you..
Amanda Mouttaki
Monday 11th of April 2022
Thanks for your comment! This was a guest post from another blogger (my husband is Moroccan) just wanted to make sure I gave credit to the original author! <3 I hope all is well for your family here in Morocco!
40 Gluten Free Lunch Ideas and Snack Ideas for Back to School!
Wednesday 18th of July 2018
[…] Rice dishes like this Nigerian Jollof Rice […]
Stacy
Saturday 4th of July 2015
I was in as soon as I saw the Scotch bonnets! We love, love, love spicy at our house. Thanks for sharing this tasty rice, Sadaf!