Description
Spicy, rich, and irresistibly savory, Authentic West African Jollof Rice is the ultimate one-pot rice dish that’s bold in flavor and full of culture. A tomato-based rice meal deeply seasoned with herbs and spices, it’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners, festive gatherings, and anyone craving dinner ideas with global flavor. This easy recipe is a must-try for food lovers exploring African cuisine, packed with ingredients like bell peppers, onions, garlic, and warm seasoning. It’s a fantastic meal prep idea, tastes even better the next day, and checks all the boxes for an easy dinner, healthy snack, or flavorful food idea!
Ingredients
3 cups long-grain parboiled rice
4 large red tomatoes (or 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes)
2 large red bell peppers
1 large onion (divided in two parts)
2 scotch bonnet peppers
1/4 cup tomato paste
4 cloves garlic
1-inch piece fresh ginger
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 seasoning cubes (or 1 tablespoon bouillon powder)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2-3 cups chicken stock
Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Optional: smoked fish or cooked meat
Instructions
1. Roughly chop tomatoes, bell peppers, half the onion, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnets. Blend until smooth (about 4–5 cups of sauce).
2. Heat oil in a pot, sauté sliced onion until golden. Add tomato paste and cook 2–3 mins. Pour in the blended mix and cook 15–20 mins until reduced.
3. Add thyme, curry powder, white pepper, paprika, bay leaves, seasoning cubes, and salt. Stir and cook 5 mins.
4. Rinse rice thoroughly. Add to pot and stir to coat with sauce. Add chicken stock just to cover (about 1 inch above rice). Stir once and cover tightly.
5. Lower heat and let steam undisturbed for 25–30 minutes. Check once around 20 minutes to add a splash of water or stock if needed.
6. Once rice is fluffy and cooked, turn off heat. Let sit 5–10 minutes, then fluff with fork. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
Cook the tomato sauce until the oil separates—this gives depth and removes acidity.
Use long-grain parboiled rice for fluffy, non-sticky grains.
Let a slight crust form at the bottom for that signature smoky “party rice” flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg