Description
Sizzling Nigerian jollof rice brings bold West African flavors straight to your kitchen with a spicy, tomato-rich twist. Grab some palm oil and your favorite spices for a seriously delicious one-pot meal that celebrates classic Nigerian cooking traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 protein of choice (chicken, beef, or fish)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup palm oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, blended
- 1 bell pepper, blended
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Warm ½ cup palm oil in a large pot at medium heat (350°F) until it shimmers slightly.
- Toss 1 chopped onion into the hot oil and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the edges turn translucent and golden.
- Pour 2 blended tomatoes and 1 blended bell pepper into the pot, stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Add 2 cups of long-grain rice to the pot, gently stirring until each grain is coated with the spicy tomato mixture.
- Carefully pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the pot, stirring once to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Increase heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Select your preferred protein (chicken, beef, or fish) and gently place it on top of the rice.
- Replace the lid and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the rice is tender and the protein is heated through.
- Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 3-4 minutes before gently fluffing with a fork.
- Serve the jollof rice immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Palm oil gives authentic flavor, so choose a high-quality brand for best results.
- Blending fresh tomatoes and peppers creates a richer sauce than using canned products.
- Keep heat low when simmering to prevent burning and ensure even rice cooking.
- Marinating chicken or protein beforehand adds extra depth to the final dish’s flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg