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jollof rice on plate

Jollof Rice

Zahra
This West African inspired dish has rich flavors of tomato glaze, onion, spices and smokiness. A must try for holidays or big parties.
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine West African
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz Fire Roasted Tomatoes diced
  • 12 oz Fire Roasted Red Peppers if using jar, drain water then finely chop
  • 1 small Red Onion finely chopped
  • 5 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Ginger minced
  • 6 oz Okra cut each in 3-4 pieces
  • ½ cup Chickpeas boiled or canned
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 cup Rice basmati
  • 1 tbsp Curry Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • ¼ tsp Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes or to taste
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ cup Cashews
  • 2 tbsp Oil

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp Oil
  • 2 Plantains ripe
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1 pinch Smoked Paprika

Instructions
 

  • Sauté tomatoes, red pepper, onion, garlic and ginger for 12 minutes in a pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle some water if the mixture sticks to the pan.
  • Reduce heat to low-medium, add okra and chickpeas. Mix well and cover with a lid for 5 minutes.
  • Increase heat back to medium. Add water, rice, curry powder, smoked paprika, thyme, turmeric, red pepper flakes, salt, cashews and oil.  Mix well.
  • Bring mixture  to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until water is absorbed. Stir occasionally.

Garnish

  • Cut off  both ends of the plantains and peel the rest. Slice in half lengthwise. Cut in half if plantains are too big or long.
  • In a medium skillet over medium heat, add oil and plantains. Fry all sides until golden brown, about 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Remove from the pan, sprinkle salt and smoked paprika on top and let sit for 3 minutes.
  • Add garnish to rice and serve hot!
Keyword jollof, plantains, rice