Easy Nigerian Jollof Rice
This flavorful, Easy Nigerian Jollof Rice is a delicious African celebratory meal. It is bursting with fresh flavor from the rich tomato sauce. Serve as dinner with chicken, beef, and plantain.
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This authentic Easy Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe is easy to make for a hearty dish or dinner. It blends spicy and savory flavors and includes red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spicy peppers.
Nigerian Jollof Rice is a popular easy-to-cook dish well-loved in West Africa. It's also a big hit among members of the African diaspora worldwide. It's served as a main course for lunch or dinner in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, and Mali. The dish is packed with flavor, color and vegetables.
Jollof rice originates from West Africa, where it's a prominent staple food. Rice (Oryza sativa) itself originated from Asia. Jollof Rice has several different names, such benachin in Senegal or as riz au gras in other French-speaking countries. Jollof rice comes in a range of flavour variations depending on the country.
It is usually served on special occasions, such as christenings, birthdays, Christmas, and weddings.
Serve this Jollof rice with Nigerian Suya Chicken Wings, Oven-Baked Spicy Chicken Drumsticks, Best Nigerian Stew Recipe (Obe ata) and Red and White Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
- Jollof rice is the highlight of the menu at Nigerian parties and restaurants.
- This rice dish is delicious and bursting with tropical flavors and aromas.
- This Easy Nigerian jollof rice is an excellent way to introduce people from around the world to the exotic tastes of Africa. They'll be sure to fall in love!
- You can double or triple the recipe to feed more people.
Easy Nigerian Jollof Rice Ingredients
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- White rice: I have used long-grain white rice for this recipe because it stays firm and maintains its shape. Basmati rice tends to become quite soft and mushy quickly, so it should be avoided.
- Plum Tomatoes: are slightly sweeter and are perfect for pureeing. They add a nice red color to this rice. You may also use cherry tomatoes, canned tomatoes or tomato paste as well. Fresh Tomatoes work best, though.
- Bell Peppers: I have used red bell pepper as this recipe needs to impart a red color to the rice. Roasting the bell pepper adds a smoky flavor! Roasting the red bell peppers and fresh tomatoes gives the jollof rice a smoky flavor.
- Scotch Bonnet: is a Caribbean chili pepper that adds spicy depth to this rice dish. If you don't like the heat, feel free to adjust its quantity.
- Tomato Puree/Paste: Add more color and flavor to this rice by adding the tomato puree.
- Chicken Stock:makes protein-rich flavorful rice. If you wish to make vegetarian or vegan rice, replace the chicken stock with veg stock or water.
- Onion: adds mild sweet flavors. I have used red onions. You may use white onions instead.
- Sunflower oil: I have used sunflower oil as its light. You may use coconut oil or vegetable oil as well.
- Knorr Cubes: Add these crisp from out and soft within, knorr cubes. Blend of flavors of chicken, onion and spices, these cubes surely enhance the aroma and taste of rice. For vegetarian/vegan options, you may add fried chunks of Tofu or broccoli.
- Thyme: Adds earthy and nutty flavor.
- Bayleaf: I have used dried bay leaves to make aromatic and flavorful rice. One large leaf is sufficient for this recipe.
- Curry Powder: adds a spicy touch to this recipe. You may adjust the quantity.
- Salt: Table salt works well. You may also use Kosher salt.
Tips and Substitutions
- Stirring: Jollof rice burns when stirred too much during cooking on the stove. It also burns when there is not enough water. You should monitor your rice as it cooks, adding more water as necessary to keep the rice grains moist.
- Water: Adding too much water can result in soft, mushy jollof rice. It's a careful balance! With some practice, you'll get a feel for the exact amount of water and rice to combine for the dish.
- Rice: If your rice is hard, the grains are probably undercooked. Add more water, simmer, and continue cooking until the grains are soft and chewy.
- Flavor: For a stronger bay leaf flavor, add bay leaf to the mixed pepper sauce instead of adding it adding it in the last ten minutes.
- Scotch bonnet: If you like spicy jollof rice, increase the number of scotch bonnets in the blended mixture to reduce the heat!
- Add-ins: Traditional Nigerian Jollof Rice does not include vegetables or any other type of protein. Instead, the vegetables and proteins are served separately as side dishes. However, you can add peas, carrots, fish, and more!
- Variations: All Jollof Rice variations have a tomato base. However, you can find different flavors in different countries. For example, Ghanaians include shito and ginger, while the Liberian Jollof, influenced by Creole techniques, has beef, chicken, and ham. You may also enjoy this Thieboudienne (Senegalese Jollof Rice).
- Burning: Jollof rice burns when it is stirred too much during cooking on the stove and when there is not enough water. You should monitor your rice as it cooks, adding more water as necessary to keep the rice grains moist.
How to Make Easy Nigerian Jollof Rice
- Preheat the oven to roast red bell peppers. This step is optional. Only do it if you like extra smoky, party-style Jollof rice.
2. Blend plum tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers, onion, and a scotch bonnet pepper until you have a smooth, spicy paste.
3. Add sunflower oil to a large saucepan and heat over high heat.
4. Once the oil is hot, pour in the blended sauce and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring.
5. Add salt, thyme, knorr cubes, curry powder (optional), tomato paste, and chicken stock to the cooked sauce.
6. Stir and cook for another 15 minutes.
Add Rice
7. Add rinsed long-grain white rice to the pot.
8. Then, add bay leaves to the saucepan and stir. Add water to cover the rice and cook over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
9. You may need to check the rice after 7-10 minutes.
10. If the rice is uncooked, add a cup of water, and stir every few minutes to prevent burning.
11. Stir and cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes or until the rice is tender and flavor-packed.
12. you can add sliced onions and fresh tomatoes at this stage.
13. The delicious Jollof Rice is ready! Serve it with Spicy Grilled Tilapia Recipe, Chicken Gizzard Recipe, Moin Moin Recipe - Oven Baked and Foil Free or Fried Plantain Recipe (dodo).
Recipe FAQs
It is best to use long-grain white rice for this recipe because it stays firm and maintains its shape. Basmati rice tends to become quite soft and mushy quickly, so it should be avoided.
Leftover Jollof Rice can be stored in a dry container with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can freeze Jollof rice for up to three months in an airtight container. To defrost, thaw the rice on the counter and reheat it in the microwave before serving.
The base of jollof rice includes tomatoes, red bell peppers, scotch bonnets and tomato purée. These ingredients give jollof rice its notorious red color!
Curry powder, thyme, scotch bonnet, and bay leaf are the best spices to make a flavorful Jollof rice.
More Delicious Nigerian Recipes
Easy Nigerian Jollof Rice
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Blender
Ingredients
- 3 cups of washed long grain white rice
- 1 cans of plum tomatoes
- 2 roasted red bell peppers
- 1 large onion
- 1 scotch bonnet
- 3 knorr cubes
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- ¼ cup of tomato puree/paste
- 2 teaspoon curry powder optional
- 1-2 cup of chicken stock
- Water as necessary
- A splash of vegetable/sunflower oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 200C and roast red bell peppers for 20-25 minutes (optional step for extra smoky jollof rice).
- Add plum tomatoes, red bell peppers, one large onion and one scotch bonnet to blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour vegetable oil into a large or medium pot. It should cover the base of the pot. Once the oil is hot, pour in the blended mixture and cook on a medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add salt to taste, thyme, 3 knorr cubes, curry powder, tomato paste and chicken stock to the pot. Then, stir and cook for another 15 minutes on low to medium heat (see notes).
- Add the rinsed white rice and bay leaves to the saucepan and stir. Then add 3 cups of water to cover the rice and leave to cook on low to medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Check the rice every seven minutes and add one more cup of water if necessary and gently stir to prevent burning.
- Finally, add half of a thinly sliced onion and sliced tomatoes (optional), stir and leave to cook on low heat until done. Serve this delicious Jollof rice with any side of your choice.
Video
Notes
- Stirring: Jollof rice burns when it is stirred too much during cooking on the stove. It also burns when there is not enough water. You should monitor your rice as it cooks, adding more water as necessary to keep the rice grains moist.
- Water: Adding too much water can result in soft mushy jollof rice. It's a careful balance! With a bit of practice, you'll get a feel for the exact right amount of water and rice to combine for the dish.
- Rice: If your rice is hard, the grains are probably undercooked. Add more water, bring to a simmer, and continue cooking until the grains are soft and chewy.
- Bay leaf: For a more robust bay leaf flavor add bay leaf to the mixed pepper sauce (step 4) instead of in the last ten minutes (step 6).
I tried this recipe last week and absolutely loved it. My rice came out sooo good. I'll definitely be checking out your other recipes.
it's awesome!
Thank you!
I saw this on Pinterest and I knew I had to try it. And how delicious it was! Just to clarify, the 1/4 cup of puree in the recipe card is tomato puree right? Thanks for this yummy recipe!
Hi Mari, I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed it! This is a staple at my house. And yes you are correct it is 1/4 cup of tomato puree. I will update the recipe card. Thanks
I made this recipe for a Nigerian birthday party and it was a hit!!! So flavorful, I will definitely be making it again!
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Melanie!
This Nigerian jollof rice looks reall tasty. I'm planning to make it as a side dish with some chicken this weekend. I know someone else asked about the tomato puree. But here in Italy, puree is tomato concentrate or paste but in US it's like Italian passata. I assume you don't mean paste, right?
Hi Jacqueline, chicken would be a great addition to this dish! Also, you will need to add tomato puree paste or concentrate to this recipe. This is what gives jollof rice it's notorious orange colour!
Wow! This rice really has some beautiful flavors! I love the addition of the scotch bonnet and curry powder. So good!
Thanks Lesli. I am glad you enjoyed it
This Nigerian Jolly Rice looks like the best new staple to add to my rotation! I love a good versatile recipe like this!
Thanks Leslie! You'll love it 🙂
I love learning about different ways to cook dishes. I can't wait to make this recipe for the family!
You'll love it!
Wow, this Nigerian jolly rice looks really delicious. I am going to make this for my family. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Amy! I hope you enjoy it
I cannot stop eating this rice, it's that scrumptious!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Robin!
So glad to learn about this wonderful dish! Can't wait to enjoy this with chicken and plantains on the side
Yes Linda! Those are my go-to sides as well 🙂
This rice flavoring is so tasty! Such a unique side dish that really adds a lot to a meal. Loved it and will make it again soon.
Thanks Julie. I am glad you enjoyed it!
İ made it today and serving with crispy chicken it's soooo yummy & super easy İ'll make it again thank you for sharing this recipe ❤️❤️❤️
İ didn't put onion slices as my family don't love it
You're welcome, Asmaa! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Such an amazing rice dish! I love all the colors and fresh veggies and spices.
Thanks!
This rice looks amazimg. Love the combination of flavors in this rice dish. I would love to make this for my family soon. Thanks
Thank you so much! I'm sure you'll love it.
Oh my this rice recipe looks easy to make and super delicious!
Thanks! You'll love it
what a delicious rice dish! My family devoured it and asked for it again tonight!
Thanks Chef Dennis! Glad you all enjoyed it.
I have been yearning to try jollof, and this was the perfect recipe to start! It was fairly easy to make, and was full of such robust and amazing flavors.
Described perfectly! Thanks for leaving a review 🙂
We're always looking for new rice recipes and this was was a great add to our menu. Loved trying out your recipe.
Thanks!
Ive always been intimidated to try making authentic Jollof rice but no more! This came out so delicious and cooked perfectly. Thanks for the great recipe!
No need to be intimidated you just need the right recipe! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it 🙂
I had gone to a Nigerian restaurant last weekend and had some Joloff Rice. It was so good that when I saw your recipe I knew I had to try it myself. I liked this version even better. I don't think the restaurant used curry powder.
Cool! Including curry powder is optional but some people do for more flavor. I'm so glad that you enjoyed it!
I love this recipe! This was my first time trying to make Jollof Rice myself and I was so happy with how it came out! Thanks!
Okay, this jollof recipe is my new go-to! I’ve made it twice now and each time it turns out PERFECT! Thank you for the recipe!
Glad you like it! Thanks for the feedback.
I really can't get enough of this Jollof recipe! I have served it with so many things. It really is the perfect side. So good!
All of your tips for troubleshooting are spot on for making the perfect pot of jollof. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing this nigerian Jollof rice recipe! My new favorite! It taste really amazing and very easy to make!
This is such a flavorful side dish for any meal. Great to go with slow-roasted chicken.
Exactly Sharon! I've tried it with slow-roasted chicken on several occasions and it tastes amazing.
This is my daughter's treat recipe. The recipe turns out perfect each time.
Glad to hear it!
Oh my goodness, this jollof rice recipe was so flavorful. I love jollof rice and have always wanted to try making my own. Your recipe made it so easy and it came out perfect!
That's wonderful! With the right recipe, Jollof rice can be made quite easily.
Never made rice with tomato puree, but this one looks interesting. Love how easy and delicious this looks .. thanks for sharing
Love this dish. I make it slightly differently by frying onions and tomatoes in a skillet and let it cook with some salt and spices on low heat. Once the oil separates - I let it cool down before blending it and mixing it with my rice. Yum!
Delicious dish with a perfect amount of spice. Thanks for sharing.
What size can of plum tomatoes?
Hi Kelly, any average-sized can is fine. I used a 400g can.
When pouring the white rice in do you need to cook it before then pour it? Or just wash the grains and let it cook in pot?
For this recipe you don't have to cook the rice first. All you need to do is wash it to remove excess starch and then it can be added to the tomato sauce. 🙂
I love the easy recipe,and the taste of the rice thanks.