A richly seasoned West African rice dish with a vibrant tomato base, sweet peppers, and a bold chilli kick.
Cameroonian Jollof Rice combines basmati rice with a flavourful blend of tomatoes, red peppers, onions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet chillies. Tomato paste deepens the colour and richness, while curry powder, thyme, and paprika bring warmth and aromatic depth to the dish.
Carrots and peas add colour, texture, and a touch of sweetness to the spicy, savoury rice. Slowly cooked in chicken stock, the rice absorbs the seasoning and develops a satisfying flavour throughout, making it a hearty choice for family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
750 g basmati rice (4 cups), soaked for 30 minutes
4 tbsp oil
2 onions
3 tomatoes
2 red peppers
2 Scotch bonnet chillies
4 garlic cloves
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp paprika
2 stock cubes
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup peas
4½ cups chicken stock
Method
Prepare the Rice: Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Blend the Vegetables: Blend the tomatoes, red peppers, onions, and garlic until smooth. This mixture forms the flavourful base of the Jollof rice.
Cook the Tomato Base: Heat the oil in a large pot and fry the tomato paste for approximately 3 minutes. Add the blended vegetable mixture and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and develops a rich colour.
Season the Sauce: Add the curry powder, thyme, paprika, stock cubes, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the tomato mixture.
Add Rice and Stock: Add the drained rice and pour in the chicken stock. Mix gently, cover the pot, and cook over low heat for approximately 30 minutes. Add the chopped carrots and peas during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Rest and Fluff: Turn off the heat and leave the rice covered for 10 minutes. Gently fluff with a fork before serving, keeping the grains as separate as possible.
Serve
Serve hot with grilled chicken, fried plantains, crunchy coleslaw, and pepper sauce. These accompaniments complement the rich tomato flavour and provide a delicious balance of spice, sweetness, and freshness.