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Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe

Jollof Rice is probably Nigeria’s most famous dish. This one pot meal is a staple in many West African households and has made its way to the West. Whether you want a simple mid-week dinner or a flavorful contribution to the potluck, you can’t go wrong with Jollof!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 269 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Dinner
Cuisine: African

Ingredients

  • 3 medium tomatoes chopped, or 16-oz canned tomatoes
  • 2 red bell peppers seeded and chopped
  • 1 habanero pepper or scotch bonnet chili (see note)
  • 1/2 red onion peeled
  • 2 cups long grain rice white rice or basmati
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 small yellow onion sliced or cubed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 cup broth chicken or vegetable, or water
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To a blender, add the tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion and chili pepper. Blend until smooth.
  2. Place a heavy 6-quart pot on medium-high heat. Add the oil and sliced yellow onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes stirring regularly until browned on the edges.
  3. Add the tomato puree to the pot along with the tomato paste, curry powder, thyme and bay leaves. Bring it to a boil.
  4. In the meantime, rinse the rice. Then drain through a sieve.
  5. Add the rice and broth mixture to the pot and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer covered for 10 minutes. Stir the pot to prevent sticking. Simmer 10 minutes more and check whether the rice is tender. Repeat this process until the rice is tender (note that different rice varieties cook at different speeds).
  7. Optional: For crispy rice on the bottom, raise the heat to medium-high for 1 to 2 minutes.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Serve the rice hot garnished with thinly sliced onion for garnish.

Notes

  • Broth: If using unsalted broth, add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Chili pepper: You can use more or less based on how much heat you want.
  • Rice Cooker: You can use a rice cooker for this recipe if you have one.

Nutrition Information

Calories 269kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 59g (20%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Sodium 208mg (9%) Potassium 411mg (12%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1947IU (39%) Vitamin C 65mg (72%) Calcium 40mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 269

% Daily Value*

Calories 269kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 59g 20%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 208mg 9%
Potassium 411mg 9%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 1947IU 39%
Vitamin C 65mg 72%
Calcium 40mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.