Nigerian

Nigerian Jollof Rice

Medium · 1 hr 15 min

Serves 6NigerianVeganDairy-freeNut-free

One-pot tomato rice with curry, thyme and a hint of scotch bonnet heat. Smoky, celebratory and deeply satisfying.

1 hr 15 minTotal time

6Serves

4Steps

NigerianCuisine

Method

Blend the base
Blend tomatoes, peppers, onion, scotch bonnet and stock until smooth. Simmer until reduced by half, about 25 minutes.
Why: Reducing concentrates sweet tomato flavour.
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Fry the stew
Fry sliced onion in oil with curry, thyme and bay. Add tomato paste until darkened, then pour in the reduced base. Simmer 15 minutes.
Why: Frying the paste gives jollof its signature depth.
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Steam the rice
Stir in rinsed rice. Cover tightly with foil then a lid. Cook on lowest heat 30–35 minutes without peeking.
Why: Trapped steam cooks the rice evenly.
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Rest and serve
Let the pot rest off heat 10 minutes. Serve with fried plantain or salad.
Why: Resting finishes carryover cooking without mushiness.
Cook from here

For party-style smokiness, let the bottom toast slightly on low heat for the last 5 minutes.

Blend the base
Blend tomatoes, peppers, onion, scotch bonnet and stock until smooth. Simmer until reduced by half, about 25 minutes.
Why: Reducing concentrates sweet tomato flavour.
Cook from here
Fry the stew
Fry sliced onion in oil with curry, thyme and bay. Add tomato paste until darkened, then pour in the reduced base. Simmer 15 minutes.
Why: Frying the paste gives jollof its signature depth.
Cook from here
Steam the rice
Stir in rinsed rice. Cover tightly with foil then a lid. Cook on lowest heat 30–35 minutes without peeking.
Why: Trapped steam cooks the rice evenly.
Cook from here
Rest and serve
Let the pot rest off heat 10 minutes. Serve with fried plantain or salad.
Why: Resting finishes carryover cooking without mushiness.
Cook from here