Jollof Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 large tomatoes, blended
• 1 red bell pepper, blended
• 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste), blended
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: assorted vegetables, cooked meat or seafood (e.g., peas, carrots, cooked chicken, shrimp)

Instructions:

1.Prepare the Rice:

• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Parboil the rice by boiling it for about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent.
• Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the blended tomatoes, red bell pepper, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Cook the tomato mixture until it thickens, stirring occasionally.

3. Season the Sauce:

• Add thyme, curry powder, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine.
• Allow the sauce to cook and reduce until the oil starts to separate from the tomato mixture. This may take about 15-20 minutes.

4. Cook the Rice:

• Add the parboiled rice to the pot, stirring it into the tomato mixture until the rice is well-coated.
• Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer until it's cooked through. This may take about 20-30 minutes.

5. Optional Additions:

• If desired, you can add cooked vegetables, meat, or seafood during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

6. Serve:

• Once the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, fluff the rice with a fork.
• Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Jollof Rice is often served with grilled or fried chicken, beef, or fish. Enjoy your delicious Nigerian Jollof Rice!