Easy Coconut Jollof Rice

A popular rice dish from West Africa, Easy Coconut Jollof Rice, is an amazingly delicious rice dish flavored with coconut milk, bay leaf, thyme, and bursting with tangy tomatoes! This Nigerian Coconut Rice Recipe is quick, simple and will be a hit with your family!

This zesty and aromatic Easy Coconut Jollof Rice is an incredible rice dish! Made with zingy tomatoes, creamy coconut milk and oil, this African-style Coconut rice is a total comfort meal when teamed with Nigerian Suya Chicken Wings, Nigerian grilled fish, Coconut Fried Rice with Shrimp and Oven-Baked Spicy Chicken Drumsticks!

Coconut adds richness and creaminess to any dish. I practically grew up on Jollof Rice. My mother made amazing Nigerian dishes, and I gradually learned many of them from her. Jollof rice originates from West Africa, where it’s a prominent staple food. It is usually served as a celebration meal!

You can also serve this easy coconut Jollof rice with Red and White Cabbage Coleslaw, Chicken Gizzards, Spicy Grilled Tilapia and Fried plantains.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• This easy coconut jollof rice is a crowd-pleaser.
• This rice dish is rich in flavor. Simmered in coconut milk, with crunchy bell peppers, fried chicken seasoning cubes, and tomato puree, this creamy Jollof coconut rice is a wonderful treat!
• You can customize it to your taste! Omit the coconut milk and make this Traditional Nigerian Jollof Rice.
• This easy coconut jollof rice is enjoyable as a main course or a side dish!

Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

For Easy Coconut Jollof Rice 

• White rice: I have used long-grain white rice for this easy coconut jollof rice recipe because it stays firm and maintains its shape. Basmati rice tends to become quite soft quickly, so it should be avoided. Wash the rice before adding the tomato sauce.
• Tomato Puree/Paste: This adds a tangier flavor to this rice and gives the Jollof its notorious orange color. You may add more fresh tomatoes and skip the tomato puree if you have none.
• Onion: Chopped Onion sauteed in oil adds a mildly sweet flavor to this rice.
• Chicken Stock: Makes protein-rich flavorful rice. If you wish to make vegetarian or vegan rice, replace the chicken stock with veg stock.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil works best for this recipe as it intensifies the coconut flavors. Any vegetable oil works well too. 
• Coconut Milk: Is the star ingredient of this jollof rice. I love the addition of thick coconut milk. I have included the steps to make it at home in the FAQ. You may use any good local brand.
• Coconut Water: Though you may use plain water, coconut water adds the perfect aroma to this rice!
• Water: Around 2 cups of water is needed. This may vary depending upon the quality and brand of rice you use. 
• Butter: Is added when the rice is almost done. It helps create soft and separated rice. If you don't wish to add butter, add more coconut oil instead.

Seasoning

• Chicken Stock Seasoning Cubes: I have used Knorr cubes. It is a blend of flavors of chicken, onion and spices, these cubes are sure to enhance the aroma and taste of the rice. For vegetarian/vegan options, you may add fried chunks of vegetable seasoning cubes, Tofu or broccoli.
• Thyme: Adds earthy and nutty flavor. You may also use parsley or basil.
• Bayleaf: I have used dried bay leaves to make aromatic and flavorful rice. One large is sufficient for this recipe. If you love bay leaf flavor, add it to the oil instead.
• Curry Powder: adds a spicy touch to this recipe. You may adjust the quantity to your taste.
• Salt: Table salt works well. You may also use Kosher salt.

For Tomato Mixture

• 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. If you prefer more of a coconut flavor then reduce the tomatoes.
• Bell Peppers: I have used red bell pepper as it adds a delicious, sweet flavor to the dish. 
• Scotch Bonnet: Add spicy depth to this rice dish. If you don’t like the heat, feel free to adjust its quantity.
• Onion: Adds mild sweet flavor and I have used white onions. You may use white onions or spring onions as well. 

Tips and Substitutions

• 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. If you are a rice lover you may also enjoy this Quick Indian Turmeric Rice.
• Stock: To give the coconut Jollof a richer, meatier flavor, add chicken stock to the saucepan in step 3.
• Stir: Since the rice is cooked in one pot, keep stirring, or else the rice may stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Coconut Jollof Rice: You can easily make this coconut rice vegan or vegetarian by substituting the chicken stock with vegetable stock. The chicken seasoning cubes can be substituted with fried Tofu cubes. If you’re using tomato paste, make sure it’s plant-based as some include fish sauce.
• Add another spice: You may add ginger for an aromatic flavor.

How to Make Easy Coconut Jollof Rice

1. Take a Blender and add plum tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion and a scotch bonnet to it. Blend till the mixture is smooth. Keep it aside for later. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat coconut oil.
2. Add onions and cook for a few minutes or until the onions are transparent.
3. Add the tomato puree.
4. Stir and cook for one minute on medium heat.

5. Add the tomato mixture prepared previously and mix well.
6. In the saucepan, add chicken seasoning cubes, curry powder, thyme, bay leaf and salt.
7. Keep stirring and cook it on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
8. Make sure to cover it with a lid for better cooking.

9. Pour the coconut milk gently into the saucepan.
10. Stir the tomato coconut sauce well.
11. Add rice to the saucepan.
12. Stir until it is well combined.

13. Pour coconut water Into the saucepan.
14. Stir well. Next, cover with a lid and let the rice cook for another 10-15 minutes.
15. Keep a close watch.
16. Stir every 5 minutes to avoid burning.

17. The rice should begin to soften.
18. Finally, add butter.
19. Stir gently to separate the rice.
20. Leave to simmer on low for 2 more minutes or until done.

21. Finally, the delicious, easy Coconut Jollof Rice is ready! Serve this mouth-watering comfort dish with chicken, dodo (fried plantain), salad, or a Nigerian Chicken Tomato Stew!

Recipe FAQs

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