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5.0 from 36 votes

West African Jollof Rice

A spicy and aromatic rice that is easy to make with step by step photos.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Resting time:
5 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 258 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: African

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion medium sized, chopped fine
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 habanero pepper Whole with only stem removed, this is very spicy!
  • 1 tsp ginger fresh minced or microplaned
  • ¼ tsp thyme dried
  • ¼ tsp oregano dried
  • ¼ tsp black pepper fresh ground
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked
  • 2 cubes chicken bouillon Qty 2 4-gram cubes, crushed fine.
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cups rice parboiled, do not rinse
  • 3 cups water 1 blended with tomato and habanero, 2 added with rice.
  • 1 Tbsp parsley for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Heat the oil in an oven safe Dutch oven on medium heat then add the onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent about 5 minutes.
  3. In a food processor add 1 cup of water, tomato paste and the habanero. Blend until smooth.
  4. Add the tomato paste mixture to the Dutch oven and stir to combine.
  5. Add the ginger, thyme, oregano, pepper, salt, paprika, chicken bouillon, bay leaf and simmer for about 2 minutes while stirring.
  6. Add the remaining 2 cups water and rice. Stir until well combined.
  7. Cover and place in the oven for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes and then fluff up the rice with a fork. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

Notes

  • How long can I store this in the refrigerator? Once it has completely cooled you can store this in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave on medium power until hot but stop and stir every 30 seconds to fluff it up.
  • Can I freeze the jollof rice? Yes, once it has completely cooled you can pack into zip top freezer bags packed flat to save space and expel all the air. This will keep for a month in the freezer. Thaw it completely and microwave is as described above.
  • How can I make this recipe less spicy? You can experiment at the step where you blend the tomato paste and water together. Add a little of the habanero, blend it in and give it a taste. Add more until you get the desired level of heat. Remember most of the pepper's heat is contained in the seeds and ribs.
  • Can I use frozen a habanero pepper in this recipe?  Sure!  I buy several habaneros at a time and freeze them in an airtight bag for later use.

Nutrition Information

Calories 258kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 43g (14%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 182mg (8%) Potassium 303mg (9%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 518IU (10%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 30mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 258

% Daily Value*

Calories 258kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 43g 14%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 182mg 8%
Potassium 303mg 6%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 518IU 10%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 30mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

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