Nigerian Jollof or No Party: Comprehensive Recipes

 

Here’s a Nigerian Jollof Rice recipe tailored for 2kg of rice — perfect for a large family gathering, party, or event. This version stays true to classic party-style Nigerian Jollof with smoky flavor and rich tomato base.

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🇳🇬 Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe (For 2kg of Rice)

🍚 Ingredients:

Main:

• 2kg long grain parboiled rice
• 2 cups vegetable or sunflower oil
• 4-5 cups chicken or beef stock (adjust with water as needed)
• 2 large onions (1 sliced, 1 blended)
• 2 bay leaves (optional but adds aroma)

Tomato base (to blend):

• 10 large red tomatoes
  
  
  
• 4 large red bell peppers (tatashe)
• 3 scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo)
• 1 large onion

Seasoning & Spices:

• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 tablespoons thyme
• 4 seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
• 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

Protein (optional):

• Pre-cooked or fried chicken, beef, or turkey

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🔪 Preparation Steps:

1. Blend and cook the tomato mix:

• Blend tomatoes, bell peppers, scotch bonnets, and 1 onion until smooth.
• Pour into a pot and boil on medium heat for 15–20 minutes to reduce water content.

2. Prepare the rice:

• Wash the 2kg rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. Parboil if needed (but don't overcook). Rinse and set aside in a sieve to drain.

3. Make the base sauce:

• In a large pot, heat oil and sauté sliced onions until translucent.
• Add tomato paste, stir and fry for 5 minutes.
• Add the reduced tomato blend and fry on medium heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.

4. Season the sauce:

• Add curry, thyme, seasoning cubes, salt, ginger, and white pepper.
• Stir and taste. Adjust seasoning to your preference.

5. Cook the rice:

• Add the washed rice to the pot and stir thoroughly to combine with the sauce.
• Add stock (and water if needed) to just cover the rice.
• Add bay leaves. Cover pot tightly with foil and lid to trap steam.
• Cook on low to medium heat for 25–40 minutes. Check and stir occasionally to prevent burning at the bottom.

6. Final touches:

• Once rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed, add a little butter or sliced onions for extra aroma.
• Optional: Allow rice to "smoke" slightly by letting it sit on low heat without opening the pot. This gives it that classic party jollof smoky flavor.
  
  
  

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🥄 Serving Suggestion:

Serve with fried plantains, salad, moi moi, grilled chicken, beef, or fish.