Jollof Rice Recipe
Origin Of Jollof Rice
Jollof rice originated in the Wolof or Jolof Empire in the Senegambian region, where rice was grown. Also, The dish has its roots in a traditional dish called thieboudienne, containing rice, fish, shellfish, and vegetables. In addition, The dish was disseminated to the rest of West Africa and became known as “Jollof Rice” in homage to its ancestral roots, the Jollof empire.
What Is Thieboudienne?
Thieboudienne is a traditional dish from the Wolof people of Senegal. Furthermore, It is a flavorful and hearty dish made with fish, vegetables, and rice. Also, The dish is typically made with fish such as red snapper or grouper, which is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and eggplant. Lastly, The fish and vegetables are then served over a bed of rice that has been cooked in the same tomato-based sauce.
Here is an easy jollof rice recipe:
- 2 cups of rice
- 4 cups of water
- 1 can of tomato paste
- 1 onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice in cold water and set aside.
- Next, Blend the onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and scotch bonnet peppers (if using) in a blender until smooth.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the blended mixture to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes or until the mixture has reduced by half.
- Add the tomato paste, salt, curry powder, and thyme to the pot and stir well.
- Next, Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the sauce.
- Add the water to the pot and mix well.
- Lastly, Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked through.
Some Common Side Dishes For Jollof
- Tender cooked vegetables
- Sweet fried plantains
- Boiled eggs
- Grilled chicken kebabs
- Suya beef skewers
- Chicken, fish, beef, and tomato stew
- Nigerian salad, aka coleslaw
- MoinMoin (soft, creamy bean pudding)
- Grilled plantains
- Fried yam
- Naan bread
Nutritional Value For Jollof Rice
The nutritional value of jollof rice is based on its main ingredients: white rice and tomatoes. Also, In 100 grams of white rice, there are 30 grams of carbohydrates, 2.9 grams of protein, 0.9 grams of fiber, and 123 calories. Lastly, Rice is rich in manganese, selenium, iron, phosphorus, and copper.