Jollof Rice
Ingredients
- 5 cups Carolina® Basmati Rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 12 oz tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Tomato Sauce
- 6 Roma tomatoes
- 4 red bell peppers
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (aka habanero)
- 3 garlic cloves
Instructions
One of the staple foundations for a great, home-cooked meal in a Latino home is many times a rice dish. This flavorsome rice recipe, created for Carolina® Rice by Vanessa Bell, Latina Mom, and blogger at “De Su Mama”, features key elements likes Carolina® Basmati Rice, tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, Scotch Bonnet Peppers (aka habaneros), salt, and spices. This delicious concoction is called Jollof Rice and it is the perfect dish for introducing traditional African recipes.
Step 1
Start by preparing the tomato and pepper sauce by blending all of the ingredients in the blender until smooth in texture. Set aside.
Step 2
In a large pot and over medium heat, heat the cooking oil and add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until translucent.
Step 3
Add the tomato paste to the onion and continue sautéeing for about 5 more minutes. Follow that by adding the garlic and bay leaves and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring often.
Step 4
Once the tomato paste mixture has cooked down, add the blended tomato mixture and cook down until it has thickened and turned dark red. Season with thyme, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 5
Stir in the rice and make sure to completely coat it in the sauce. Add in the chicken broth and stir. Bring the liquid and rice to a boil.
Step 6
Once boiling, reduce heat and cover with a tight lid. Simmer until the rice has reached the desired consistency, about 30 minutes.
African Flavors
Take an exotic trip without leaving your kitchen with this flavorful Jollof Rice with West African roots! While Ghanaians and Nigerians still debate over the specifics of this delicious dish, one thing is certain, its signature spicy flavor of habanero pepper and vibrant red color from tomato paste and curry pair perfectly with our long-grain Carolina® Basmati Rice.
Add a bit of protein to this recipe by serving it alongside some seasoned chicken wings or thighs, or your favorite pork dish. Take things a step further and try your hand at some tasty fried plantains as well!
To help your mouth cool off afterward, we suggest serving with a classic like Creamy Rice Pudding or Mango Sticky Rice!
Hot Tips
If Scotch Bonnet Peppers are too spicy for your taste, turn the heat down by substituting for the pepper of your preference. Using red or green bell pepper will really bring down the heat. And if the opposite is true and you’re a lover of all things spicy, top your chicken or plantains with a bit of Sriracha for some added heat.
Is meat not a part of your diet? Not a problem, try this recipe with vegetable broth for an equally delicious dish. You can use store-bought, or you can try your hand at homemade vegetable broth.
