Ghanaian Jollof Rice: A Staple with a Story
Dear NKENNE Community,
We hope this message finds you in good spirits and ready to embark on another delicious culinary journey. This month, we are thrilled to feature a classic dish from Ghana: Jollof Rice. This recipe comes highly requested by one of our valued community members, Kei Brian Okoronkwo, who wanted to share the joy of making this iconic West African dish with all of you.
Jollof Rice is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of flavor, culture, and community. Traditionally made with jasmine or basmati rice, this one-pot dish incorporates a rich blend of tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether served with chicken, beef, fish, or a simple salad, Jollof Rice is a versatile dish that brings people together.
Here's how you can bring a taste of Ghana into your kitchen:
Ghanaian Jollof Rice Recipe
Ingredients
1 large onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, shredded
1/4 cup fresh ginger, grated
3 large tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
2 tsp curry powder (Jamaican style preferred)
1 can (29 oz) tomato sauce
1 hot pepper (Habanero or Scotch Bonnet, whole)
1 and 1/2 tsp ground chile pepper (cayenne)
1 and 1/2 tsp salt
1 cup water
1 cup chicken stock
2 cups uncooked basmati or jasmine rice, rinsed
Instructions
Making the Sauce:
In a large pot, heat the oil over low to medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until transparent (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the garlic, ginger, and curry powder, stirring for another 3 minutes.
Mix in the sliced tomatoes and cook until soft (about 5-10 minutes), then pour in the tomato sauce, whole hot pepper, ground chile pepper, and salt. Continue to cook on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates from the sauce.
Adding the Rice:
In a separate pot, combine 2 cups of the cooked sauce (reserve the rest), broth, and water, and bring to a boil.
Stir in the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, checking and stirring as needed. Add more stock or water if the rice is dry.
We invite you to try this recipe and enjoy a meal that's both nourishing and culturally enriching. If there are other dishes from the African continent that you're curious about, please let us know. We are always excited to explore new recipes and share them with our community.
Warm regards,