Jollof Rice I

Jollof Rice I Recipe - Authentic Liberian Recipe

Region / culture: Liberia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Jollof Rice is a popular West African dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is a flavorful and colorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Jollof Rice is believed to have originated in Senegal and spread to other West African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. It is a dish that is often served at weddings, parties, and other special events.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of cooked meat (such as chicken, bacon, shrimp, smoked pork), cut into 1 inch chunks
0.5 + 0.25 cup of vegetable oil
0.5 cup of finely chopped yellow onions
0.5 cup of finely chopped green peppers
0.5 tsp of ground ginger
1 x 16 oz (454 g) can of whole tomatoes (2 cups)
2 x 6 oz (170 g) cans of tomato paste
2 qt (1.89 liter) of water
1 tbsp of salt
0.5 tsp of black pepper
0.5 tsp of thyme
1 tsp of crushed red pepper
2 cups of white rice
5 cups of chicken stock or water
salt, pepper, etc. to taste

How to prepare

In a 10-inch skillet, sauté the cooked meat in 0.5 cup of vegetable oil until it is slightly browned.
In a 4 qt (3.78 liter) kettle, sauté the yellow onions, green peppers, and ground ginger (if using) in 0.25 cup of vegetable oil until the onions are soft.
Add the tomatoes.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the tomato paste, water, salt, black pepper, thyme, and crushed red pepper.
Add the cooked meat and simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, cook the white rice in chicken stock or water until it is tender.
Adjust the seasonings with salt, pepper, etc.
Combine the sauce from the meat with the rice.
Pour the jollof rice into a deep bowl, arranging the meat in the center.

Variations

Substitute the pork with chicken, beef, or shrimp for a different protein option.
Add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the meat and vegetables until they are slightly browned to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or spices.

- Use chicken stock instead of water to cook the rice for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Jollof Rice can be served with fried plantains, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the meat and vegetables before simmering to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Cook the rice separately and combine with the sauce for a perfect texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or beef instead of pork for a different protein option.

- Substitute vegetable oil with olive oil or coconut oil for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Jollof Rice can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Jollof Rice in a deep bowl with the meat arranged in the center for an attractive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Jollof Rice pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or beef for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Jollof Rice 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 Jollof Rice contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size.

Carbohydrates

Jollof Rice is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the white rice and tomato paste used in the recipe.

Fats

The vegetable oil used in the recipe adds healthy fats to the dish.

Proteins

The cooked pork in the recipe provides a good source of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Jollof Rice is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and tomatoes used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

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

Summary

Jollof Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful combination of meat, vegetables, and rice, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Jollof Rice. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl living in Nigeria with my family. My mother had invited some friends over for dinner, and she had decided to make this special dish that she had learned from a friend of hers.

As I watched my mother prepare the ingredients, I was amazed at how many different spices and flavors went into making this dish. The rich red color of the tomato sauce mixed with the vibrant orange of the bell peppers was a sight to behold. I could smell the fragrant aroma of the onions and garlic sizzling in the pan, and my mouth watered in anticipation of the delicious meal that was to come.

My mother explained to me that Jollof Rice was a popular dish in Nigeria, made with rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a variety of spices. It was often served at special occasions and celebrations, and each family had their own unique recipe that had been passed down through generations.

I watched as my mother cooked the rice in the tomato sauce, stirring it gently to ensure that each grain was coated in the rich flavors. She added a pinch of salt, a dash of cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of dried thyme, each ingredient enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

As the rice simmered on the stove, I could hardly contain my excitement. The aroma that filled our home was intoxicating, and I knew that this meal would be one to remember.

When the Jollof Rice was finally ready, my mother served it on a large platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and slices of boiled eggs. The colors of the dish were vibrant and inviting, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavor and texture. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain fluffy and tender. The tomato sauce was tangy and sweet, with a hint of heat from the cayenne pepper. The vegetables added a crunchiness that contrasted beautifully with the softness of the rice.

I savored each mouthful, savoring the memories of that evening with my family and friends. The laughter and conversation that filled our home, the warmth of the kitchen as we shared a meal together. It was a moment that I would never forget.

As I grew older and began to cook for my own family, I made sure to keep the tradition of Jollof Rice alive. I experimented with different spices and ingredients, adding my own twist to the classic recipe that I had learned from my mother.

I shared the dish with friends and neighbors, introducing them to the flavors of Nigeria and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Each time I made Jollof Rice, I felt a connection to my heritage and a sense of pride in carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

Now, as I look back on that first time I learned to make Jollof Rice, I am grateful for the memories and the skills that I have acquired over the years. Cooking this dish brings me joy and a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I am honoring my roots and sharing a piece of my culture with those around me.

I will always cherish the moments spent in the kitchen with my mother, learning the art of cooking and the importance of creating meals that bring people together. And I will continue to make Jollof Rice for my family, passing down the recipe and the tradition to future generations.

For me, Jollof Rice is more than just a dish – it is a symbol of love, heritage, and the joy of sharing a meal with those we hold dear. And I will always treasure the memories of that first time I learned to make this special recipe, a moment that has stayed with me throughout the years.