How to Make the Perfect Jollof Rice
West African · Easy · 55 min · 6 servings
This classic West African one-pot rice dish is bursting with smoky tomato flavor that kids absolutely love. It is a kid friendly meal that is easy to customize with your familys favorite proteins and vegetables.
Why this recipe works
This Jollof Rice recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 7g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups long grain parboiled rice
- 4 whole Roma tomatoes
- 2 whole red bell peppers
- 1 whole medium onion
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Blend the Sauce
Blend tomatoes red bell peppers and half the onion together until smooth. Chop the remaining onion half finely and set aside.
Step 2: Fry the Base
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Fry the chopped onion for 3 minutes then pour in the blended sauce and cook stirring occasionally for 15 minutes until the sauce is reduced and darkened.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Stir in the seasoning salt and chicken broth then add the washed rice. Mix well cover tightly and cook on low heat for 25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve hot alongside fried chicken or plantains for a complete kid friendly meal.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken broth → vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- long grain parboiled rice → jasmine rice for a softer texture kids enjoy
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Lifting the lid too early which releases steam and results in undercooked rice
- Using too high heat which burns the bottom before the rice fully cooks
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 7g protein, 58g carbs, 8g fat, 3g fiber.
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