Traditional Jollof Rice Recipe – Flavorful and Simple

If there’s one dish that holds the power to unite food lovers across West Africa and beyond, it’s Jollof Rice.

Whether you’re from Ghana, Nigeria, or Senegal, the love for this iconic dish is undeniable. But let’s not get into the “who makes it best” debate just yet (spoiler: it’s whoever’s cooking you’re enjoying at the moment).

Today, I want to share my own tried-and-true recipe for making traditional Jollof Rice. It’s flavorful, simple, and will have your kitchen smelling like a dream.

The beauty of Jollof Rice lies not only in its vibrant orange-red color but also in the medley of flavors that come together in each bite—savory, smoky, and slightly spicy.

A Love Letter to Jollof Rice

Before we get to the recipe, let me tell you why Jollof Rice is so special to me. Growing up, it wasn’t just a dish—it was a centerpiece of every family gathering, wedding, and festive occasion.

The sight of that heaping pot of rice, steaming and glistening with a perfect balance of spices and tomatoes, always brought smiles to everyone’s faces. The clinking of plates, the laughter, the inevitable second servings—Jollof Rice was always there, quietly stealing the show.

Now that I make it myself, I see why it’s so cherished. It’s a dish that requires care and love, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right ingredients and a little patience, anyone can create a pot of Jollof that rivals the best.

What Makes Jollof Rice Special?

There’s a reason jollof rice is the face of African foods, e too get swag. https://t.co/u5ZdeBGU1R

— ROYZ (@royzkingin) August 29, 2023

The heart of Jollof Rice is its base: a tomato and pepper sauce that’s simmered to perfection. This sauce is what gives the rice its signature color and bold flavor.

Traditionally, Jollof Rice gets its smoky aroma from being cooked over firewood, but you can replicate this at home with a little trick I’ll share later.

Another thing that makes Jollof special is its versatility. While it’s traditionally cooked with long-grain parboiled rice, you can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.

Add vegetables, meat, or seafood if you like. For me, the classic version—simple and focused on the rich tomato flavor—is unbeatable.

Traditional Jollof Rice Recipe

Jollof Rice is a beloved West African dish, known for its rich tomato flavor, vibrant orange hue, and smoky aroma. It's perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or even as a weekday treat.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main dish

Cuisine West African

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Blender or food processor
• Large pot with a tight-fitting lid
• Wooden spoon
• Strainer
• Sharp knife and chopping board

Ingredients

  

For the Tomato Base

• 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice
• 4 large ripe tomatoes
• 2 red bell peppers
• 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
• 1 medium onion

For Cooking

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika (optional)
• 2-3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Additions

• Protein: chicken, shrimp, or beef
• Vegetables: diced carrots, peas, or green beans

Instructions

 

• 1. Prepare the Tomato Base

  Blend the tomatoes, bell peppers, Scotch bonnet, and half the onion until smooth.

  For a finer texture, strain the mixture to remove any pulp (optional).
  
• 2. Sauté and Build Flavor

  Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  Dice the remaining half onion and sauté until translucent.

  Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.

  Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 3-5 minutes until it darkens and becomes aromatic.
  
• 3. Add the Blended Mixture

  Pour the blended tomato base into the pot and stir.

  Add thyme, curry powder, paprika, and the bay leaf.

  Season with salt and black pepper.

  Simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the oil rises to the surface.
  
• 4. Combine and Cook

  Stir the rinsed rice into the cooked sauce, ensuring every grain is coated.

  Add enough stock to cover the rice by about 1 inch.

  Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.

  Cook for 25-30 minutes without opening the lid.
  
• 5. Create the Smoky "Party Rice" Layer

  For a smoky aroma, leave the pot on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to toast the bottom layer slightly.
  
• 6. Fluff and Serve

  Fluff the rice with a fork.

  Mix in optional proteins or vegetables if desired.

  Serve hot and enjoy!
  

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

• Rice Matters: Parboiled rice is ideal as it retains its texture during cooking.
• Tomato Paste is Key: Adds depth and richness to the flavor.
• Spice Control: Adjust Scotch bonnet peppers for your preferred heat level.
• Patience is Crucial: Let the sauce simmer and the rice cook undisturbed for best results.

Keyword Easy Dinner, Jollof Rice, Rice Recipes, Spicy Dishes, West African Cuisine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

@cookwith_izunna This is how you should make your Jollof rice and I promise, you’ll never miss. Flavour | Colour | Taste 🔥 ✨ Nigerian Jollof Recipe ✨ Follow me on insta for more recipes @cookwith_dike #canada #nigerianincanada #jollofrice #jollofrecipe #jollofricerecipe #nigeriatiktok #food #recipe #boyscooking ♬ original sound – Reasoning and Seasoning

This traditional Jollof Rice recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s comforting yet vibrant, simple yet bursting with complexity.

Whether you’re making it for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to impress. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste even better the next day!

There’s something incredibly rewarding about making Jollof Rice from scratch. The process—the chopping, the stirring, the waiting—makes the final result even more satisfying.

And when you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this dish has a special place in so many hearts and homes.

Final Thoughts

Jollof Rice is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether around a dining table or at a lively outdoor party.

With this recipe, you’ll not only master the art of Jollof but also create memories that you and your loved ones will cherish.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, turn up some Afrobeat music, and let’s make magic in the kitchen. Because life is too short for bland rice—and Jollof is anything but.