Jollof rice is a vibrant, spicy West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, and a mix of flavorful seasonings that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
Craving some jollof rice but don’t want to invite the whole neighborhood over? Fear not, solo culinary adventurer! This recipe is your golden ticket to savoring a bowl of this West African delight just for little ol’ you. Follow along, and get ready to treat your taste buds to a party they won’t forget.
Jollof Rice Recipe for One
Welcome to the one-of-a-kind Jollof Rice solo experience! This West African classic is like a fiesta in your mouth. Prepare for an explosion of spicy, tangy, and savory goodness that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. Ready to dive in?
- Cooking method: stovetop simmering
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine type: West African
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup long-grain parboiled rice
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well melded.
- Season with cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well.
- Add the rinsed rice to the tomato mixture and stir until the rice is fully coated with the tomato sauce.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid. No peeking allowed—let the steam do its magic!
- Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to reach peak fluffiness.
- Serve hot and enjoy your solo Jollof fiesta!
Suggestions
- Alternative ingredients: Use basmati rice for a slightly different texture. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
- Garnishing options: Top with slices of avocado, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra flair.
- Cooking tips: For a deeper flavor, allow the tomatoes to cook down fully before adding the rice. If you want extra heat, throw in some chopped Scotch bonnet peppers.
