HOW TO COOK NIGERIAN JOLLOF RICE

long-grain rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice increases fiber content while white rice is more economical.

chicken or vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade broth offers more flavor without added preservatives.

scotch bonnet peppers

🥗Healthier: jalapeños

💰Cheaper: bell peppers

Jalapeños add heat while bell peppers are milder and more affordable.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Coconut oil adds flavor and health benefits, while canola is budget-friendly.

Season beef with thyme, Italian seasoning, and salt.

Cook the beef until tender.

Prepare fresh vegetables: red bell pepper, red habanero, yellow bell pepper, and orange bell pepper.

Add the peppers to a pot with vegetable oil to steam and cook until they release their sauce, but not fully dry.

Allow the mixture to cool, then blend it into a puree.

In a large pot, heat vegetable oil and add diced onions and fresh or dried bay leaves.

Add the blended tomato and pepper puree to the pot and fry until it darkens in color, resembling a thick paste.

Add seasoning and salt to the sauce and mix well.

Cook the sauce for about 10-20 minutes, ensuring it doesn't burn, while trapping the aroma with aluminum foil.

Wash and drain the rice, then add it to the sauce and mix well before adding the protein stock.

Add just enough stock to level with the rice and cook on medium heat, covered, for 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, check the rice; if not fully cooked, lower the heat and continue cooking until done.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary