Equipment Needed

• Heavy-bottomed pot with tight-fitting lid
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Food processor or blender
• Fine mesh strainer

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

• Rice & Base:
• 3 cups long-grain parboiled rice
• 4-5 cups chicken or beef stock
• 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp thyme
• Protein:
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 500g beef, cubed
• Tomato Base:
• 6 large fresh tomatoes
• 2 red bell peppers
• 3-4 scotch bonnet peppers
• 1 large onion
• Seasonings & Oils:
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup palm oil
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 stock cubes
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Protein: Season chicken and beef with salt, curry powder, thyme, and stock cube. Marinate 30-45 minutes.
2. Make Pepper Mix: Blend tomatoes, red peppers, scotch bonnet, and half the onion until smooth. Strain to remove seeds.
3. Cook Meat: In heavy pot, fry seasoned meat in vegetable oil until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Create Base Sauce: Add remaining onions to pot, fry until golden. Add tomato paste, fry 2-3 minutes until darkened. Add pepper mixture, cook 15-20 minutes until reduced by half.
5. Build Flavor: Add palm oil, smoked paprika, remaining seasonings, and bay leaves. Return meat to pot. Add stock gradually.
6. Add Rice: Rinse rice until water runs clear. Add to pot, stir gently to coat. Liquid should be 1 inch above rice.
7. Cook & Create Smoky Bottom: Bring to boil, reduce to medium-low, cover tightly. Cook 20-25 minutes without stirring. Increase heat slightly in last 5 minutes for smoky bottom.
8. Rest & Serve: Turn off heat, rest 10 minutes. Gently mix before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Jollof Rice

• The smoky "bottom" is the signature of great jollof rice
• Never stir while cooking to preserve the bottom layer
• Use 1:1.5 rice to liquid ratio for perfect texture
• Cook tomato base completely for rich flavor
• Palm oil is essential for authentic taste and color
• All ingredients available at Glamaur African Market