What's Sizzling for December 2019?

Jollof Rice! Yes, Jollof rice is a common meal in West Africa and is served at almost all events. It is a sizzling lush meal made of boiled rice mixed with tomato sauce and other spices which gives it the distinct delicious taste. Jollof rice has a nick name “party Jollof” because it is believed that the Jollof rice prepared for parties tastes better since it is cooked using firewood and has a smoky taste. Jollof rice can be served as a side dish with fried or baked plantains, meat, chicken, fish or coleslaw

How to prepare Jollof Rice:

Now, let's get started. You will need to have the ingredients below ready before you start preparing a meal of Jollof Rice:

• 4cups Long Grain Parboiled Rice (or any other rice of choice)

• 1lb Roma Tomatoes

• 60z Tomato paste

• 1 large red bell pepper

• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (or enough for desired spice level)

• 2 large Onion bulbs

• 4 Garlic cloves (optional)

• ½ cup Vegetable oil

• 1tsp Dried Thyme

• 1tsp Curry Powder

• 1tsp Turmeric powder (optional)

• 1TBS of salt

• 4 Knorr bouillon Cubes (or seasoning cube/bouillon powder of choice)

• 6 Dried bay leaves

• 3 cups Meat or Chicken stock (optional)

• 4oz butter (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Parboil the rice for 10 mins, rinse off and drain out all water using a sieve.

2. Blend the scotch bonnet pepper, 1 large onions, roma tomatoes, garlic gloves, and bell pepper together till in puree form.

3. Heat a medium pan and pour the vegetable oil in, allow to heat up for 1 minute then add the 1 large chopped onion. Allow the onion to stir fry for 2 mins, add the thyme followed by the curry and the tomato paste.

4. Stir fry till the tomato paste looks crispy then add the fresh tomato puree, turmeric, Knorr cubes, salt, and bay leaves.

5. Cover and allow to cook for 20-25 minutes on medium heat till the puree is almost dry and has the vegetable oil visible at the top.

6. Pre heat your oven to 400o F.

7. Mix the parboiled rice and cooked tomato sauce in an aluminum foil pan.

8. Stir till the tomato sauce is evenly distributed and well mixed in the pan.

9. Add the meat/ chicken stock or water and the butter.

10. Put in the oven and allow to cook for 30-45mins.

What to Expect?