Ghana Jollof Rice

Authentic Ghana Jollof Rice Recipe - A Delicious African Dish

Region / culture: Ghana | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ghana Jollof Rice is a popular West African dish known for its flavorful and aromatic taste. This dish is a staple in Ghanaian cuisine and is often served at celebrations and gatherings.

History

Jollof Rice originated in Senegal and has since spread throughout West Africa, with each country putting its own unique twist on the dish. In Ghana, Jollof Rice is typically made with a combination of rice, tomatoes, and various meats or vegetables.

Ingredients

1 cup of water
1.5 lb (680 g) of chicken, cut into 8 pieces
16 oz (454 g) cans of stewed tomatoes
1 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of black pepper
0.38 cup of cooked smoked ham, cubed
0.5 cup of uncooked rice
0.5 large onion, sliced
0.5 cup of shredded cabbage
0.25 lb (113 g) of fresh green beans, quartered and stems removed
10 oz pack of frozen beans
0.13 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.13 tsp of cayenne pepper

How to prepare

Pour water into a large pot. Add the chicken, tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the ham, rice, onion, cabbage, green beans, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil again, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked, which should take around 25–30 minutes.
This recipe serves 4.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas. You can also substitute the chicken and ham with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a large pot to accommodate all the ingredients.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of spices before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Ghana Jollof Rice can be served on its own as a main dish or paired with a side of fried plantains or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious Ghana Jollof Rice is to simmer the ingredients slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have stewed tomatoes, you can use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes as a substitute. You can also use any type of meat or protein of your choice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This dish also tastes great as leftovers the next day.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Ghana Jollof Rice with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of fried plantains, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ghana Jollof Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The main source of carbohydrates in this dish comes from the rice, which provides energy for the body.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the chicken and ham, which provide essential nutrients and flavor.

Proteins

The chicken and ham in this dish are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and green beans, as well as iron and zinc from the chicken and ham.

Alergens

This dish contains chicken and ham, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before consuming.

Summary

Ghana Jollof Rice is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Ghana Jollof Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend in Ghana. As we gathered in her kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of spices and tomatoes filled the air. My friend's mother was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of rich, red rice that looked absolutely divine.

I watched in awe as she added fragrant spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the pot, creating a symphony of flavors that danced in my nose. I could hardly contain my excitement as I peppered her with questions about the recipe. Where did she learn to make such a delicious dish? What was the secret ingredient that made it so special?

With a twinkle in her eye, my friend's mother revealed that the recipe had been passed down through generations of her family. It was a traditional Ghanaian dish called Jollof Rice, a beloved staple at celebrations and gatherings. She explained that each family had their own unique twist on the recipe, and hers was no exception.

As I savored my first bite of the Ghana Jollof Rice, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. I begged my friend's mother for the recipe, promising to cherish it and pass it on to future generations. With a smile, she agreed to teach me the art of making this delectable dish.

Over the next few days, I shadowed my friend's mother in the kitchen, taking notes and absorbing every detail of the cooking process. I learned about the importance of using fresh ingredients, the precise timing of adding each spice, and the gentle touch required to stir the rice just right.

One of the most important lessons I learned was the significance of patience in cooking. Ghana Jollof Rice is not a dish that can be rushed. It requires time and care to develop the complex flavors that make it so irresistible. As I stood by the stove, stirring the rice and watching it slowly transform into a vibrant, fragrant masterpiece, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

After several days of practice, I finally felt confident enough to make Ghana Jollof Rice on my own. I invited my family over for a special dinner, eager to share my newfound culinary skills with them. As they sat down at the table and took their first bite of the dish, their faces lit up with delight.

"Grandma, this is amazing!" my granddaughter exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully mastered the art of making Ghana Jollof Rice. As we enjoyed the meal together, I shared the story of how I learned the recipe and the special memories I had created along the way.

From that day on, Ghana Jollof Rice became a cherished family tradition, a dish that we would savor and enjoy together for years to come. And as I passed down the recipe to my granddaughter, I knew that the legacy of this beloved dish would continue to live on in our family for generations to come.