Nigerian Jollof Rice

Jollof rice is one of the most popular dishes in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria. This spiced rice, cooked in a rich and fragrant tomato sauce, is a staple at celebrations and family meals. Every country has its own version of Jollof, but the Nigerian version is often considered one of the best. This dish is naturally gluten-free, using simple, fresh ingredients. Served with chicken or vegetables, it's perfect for a casual meal.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time 45 minutes

Total time 55 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 6

Special diet: suitable for gluten-free diet

Ingredients

400g of long grain rice
400g crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 red chili pepper (optional)
1 tsp of paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp gluten-free curry powder
500 ml of gluten-free chicken or vegetable stock
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 carrots, diced (optional)

Preparation

1
Preparing the tomato base: In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and red chili pepper, and sauté until softened and lightly browned. Then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, curry powder, and thyme. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
2
Cooking the rice: Rinse the rice in cold water to remove excess starch. Add it to the pot with the tomato sauce, then pour in the stock. Add the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and stir well. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the sauce.
3
Adding vegetables (optional):
4
If you wish to add vegetables, incorporate the peppers and carrots about 10 minutes before the end of cooking the rice, so that they remain crunchy.
5
Serving: Remove the bay leaf and serve the Jollof rice piping hot, accompanied by grilled meat or vegetables, according to your preferences.

Note

You can adjust the spice level to your taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili. Jollof rice is even better the next day, after resting and absorbing even more flavors.

Keywords: Nigerian Jollof rice, tomato rice, gluten-free African recipe