Jollof rice is serious business. There is a lot of history involved, along with many variations on how to make it. To learn more about Jollof rice, click here: https://ourkosherkitchen.com/the-jollof-chronicle-a-remarkable-west-african-rice-dish/
This version aims to show a typical Nigerian rendition of the dish. It uses a stew base that is easy to make and found in many Nigerian recipes. To make it, click here: https://ourkosherkitchen.com/recipe/red-stew/
This recipe calls for a couple of ingredients you can only find an African grocer.
Stock cubes taste differently based on the country they are manufactured in because they aim to replicate a restaurant-style stock typical of the region they are produced in.
In Nigeria,, common varieties are Maggi and Knorr. Unfortunately, the Nigerian versions are not kosher-certified. Therefore, it is easiest to use your favourite kosher store-bought stock, or homemade stock (use instead of water).
The recommended brands are either Lion or Ducros, which are both kosher-certified. Again, if needed it is fine to substitute regular curry powder.
If you would like to take a stab at making Nigerian curry powder at home. Ozoz Sokoh, aka the ‘Kitchen Butterfly’, has a recipe available on Food52: https://food52.com/recipes/83239-nigerian-style-curry-powder.
Jollof rice keeps in the fridge for about a week and in the freezer for about 3 months. For best results, that in the fridge overnight before reheating. There are a couple of different way to reheat your Jollof.
Place a damp paper towel over the Jollof. Add to microwave and stir every 20 seconds until the rice is steaming hot.
Add leftover rice to a pot and cover with a lid. Set heat to low and let steam for 15-20 minutes.
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Baskaran-Makanju, S. (2023, October 6). Nigerian jollof. https://urbanfarmie.com/nigerian-jollof/
Eleanor. (2018). The best Nigerian party Jollof rice recipe you can’t resist. Eleanor’s Dish. https://eleanorsdish.com/food/jollof-rice-recipe
Immaculate Ruému. Classic Nigerian Jollof rice – the tastiest simplicity. (2020, October 13). Immaculate Ruému. https://www.immaculateruemu.com/classic-nigerian-jollof-rice-the-tastiest-simplicity/
Jen. (2020, June 14). Nigerian Jollof rice recipe. Sim’s Home Kitchen. https://simshomekitchen.com/nigerian-jollof-rice-recipe/
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Dice onion
Wash rice and drain
Slice onion and tomato
Set a pot on medium heat and add oil
Once hot, add onions
Stir occasionally until translucent, about 5 minutes
Add tomato paste and fry until it darkens significantly and is pebbly in texture, about 15-20 minutes
Add stew base, stock cubes, bay leaves, thyme, curry powder, and salt
Stir together and taste for seasoning
Add rice and stir together
Add water until the rice is level with the liquid (note: use broth instead of water if you have any on hand)
Cover pot and turn heat to low
Cook for 30 minutes
Turn off heat and open lid
Add sliced onion and tomato
Fluff the rice and stir to incorporate the onion and tomato throughout
Return lid to pot and let steam for a further 15 minutes
With the lid on, raise heat to the highest setting
Leave the heat on high until there is a strong aroma of burnt rice. About 2-3 minutes
Ready to serve