POKS Beginners Jollof Rice
Have you eaten the iconic West African Jollof Rice, loved it, but found that cooking it intimidating? You're not alone; even the seasoned West African cook has had days where they have fumbled cooking Jollof Rice correctly.
Jollof Rice is a one-pot rice dish made by cooking rice in a spicy and savory tomato-based sauce. Think of it as West Africa's version of familiar rice dishes such as Jambalaya, Paella, Louisiana Red Rice, and "Spanish" Rice.
Across the West African region, there are nuances to how Jollof Rice is prepared. Some of these include how the tomato stew is prepared, the type of rice used, and the type of protein served with the dish. For instance, in preparing Nigerian Jollof Rice, the tomato stew is made with tomatoes, red bell peppers and romano chilis, while in preparing Ghanaian Jollof Rice, the tomato stew is made with tomatoes and tomato paste. Nigerian Jollof Rice is typically made with parboiled rice, whereas Ghanaian Jollof Rice is made with jasmine rice, and Senegalese Jollof Rice is made with short grain rice.
Despite these differences, the West African holy trinity of spices: chili, ginger and garlic, serve serve as the foundational ingredients in making a good pot of Jollof. This is expertly crafted in the salt-free POKS Jollof Rice West African Seasoning.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 Tbsp finely diced onion
- 2 Tbsp Oil
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste/Sauce
- 1 Cup Long Grain Rice/Parboiled Rice/Short Grain Rice
- 1 Cup Stock/Broth/Water
- 1/2 to 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 Tbsp Jollof Rice West African Seasoning (Salt-Free)
RECIPE
- In a small pot, sweat the onion in oil on medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Add in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes. While stirring, add in the POKS Jollof Seasoning to bloom for 1 minute.
- Add in the washed rice and stir for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is evenly coated.
- Add in stock/broth/water and salt to taste, stir, and cover the pot.
- Turn the burner to low-medium heat and allow the rice to cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve as is, or with your desired protein and vegetables.