Jollof Rice: a mouthwatering one-pot Nigerian recipe everyone will love

With its spicy, smoky, subtly sweet flavor, there's nothing like jollof rice. This sensational one-pot rice recipe comes from West Africa and is particularly popular in Nigeria.

Each country has its unique version of this tasty dish. Jollof rice is an incredibly flavorful dish made from rice cooked in tomato and pepper sauce. Traditionally, it's cooked over an open flame, but you don't need an open flame to make great-tasting jollof rice!

What is Jollof Rice?

Jollof rice is a phenomenally flavorful West African dish made by cooking rice in a fragrant tomato and pepper sauce that's been richly seasoned with spices.

Typical ingredients include spicy Scotch bonnet peppers, poblano peppers, tomatoes, onions, curry powder, bay leaves, stock, and rice.

What is the Best Type of Rice for Jollof Rice?

Long-grain rice is by far the best option to use for making jollof rice. Basmati and jasmine rice are two popular choices, with most people opting to use basmati rice thanks to its lovely nutty, earthy flavor. Ultimately the exact variety of rice isn't as important – just make sure it's long-grain.

How to Make Jollof Rice

It's super easy to make excellent jollof rice at home. Start by blending the tomatoes, peppers, chilis, chopped onions, and 2 cups of broth, then cooking the mixture in a large pot until it reduces. In a second pan, fry the onions, then add in the bay leaves, curry powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Cook them for a few more minutes, then add in the tomato paste. Cook the mixture for a couple more minutes, then stir in the tomato-pepper sauce, cover with a lid and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Pour the 4 cups of broth into the sauce and bring it to a boil.

Add in the rice and butter, then put a piece of parchment paper or foil over the pot, then cover it with a lid. This will trap the steam in to help cook the rice and lock in the flavors. Lower the heat and cook for 30 minutes. Stir the rice one more time, then taste it to see if you need to add any other seasonings. Serve with some stew or roasted meat, chicken, or fish, and enjoy!

What to Serve with Jollof Rice

Jollof rice is usually served with a protein like chicken, beef, fish, or goat. You can also enjoy it with mixed veggies. West African stews go wonderfully with jollof rice. Roasted or grilled meats, poultry, or fish are also delicious with this easy dish. It's also fantastic with some fried plantains!

Tips for the Best Jollof Rice

If you prefer a less spicy dish, use half a chili pepper instead of whole chili pepper. Or if you love spicy foods, feel free to add in extra chilis.

Use any type of stock you prefer – beef, chicken, or vegetable.

If desired, you can add extra sliced onions and tomatoes after the rice has finished cooking.

Jollof rice can be made vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef stock.

How to Store Jollof Rice 

Place leftover jollof rice in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Instructions

Place tomatoes, poblano peppers, chopped onions, chili peppers, and 2 cups of broth into a blender. Blitz until smooth.

Transfer the blended mixture to a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Place a lid on the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes to reduce.

Heat oil in a large pan. Saute the sliced onions for 3 minutes. Stir in the salt, bay leaves, curry powder, thyme, and pepper.

Cook for another 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the tomato-pepper mixture, place the lid on, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.

Pour 4 cups of broth into the sauce. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes.

Stir in the washed rice and butter. Place a piece of parchment paper or foil over the pot then cover with a lid.

Lower the heat and cook for 30 minutes.

Stir the rice, taste it, and add any additional seasonings.

Notes

Use a neutral oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or refined coconut oil.