How to Cook Nigerian Jollof Rice (Step-by-Step Recipe)

 


If there’s one dish that truly brings Nigerians together, it’s Jollof rice. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, Sunday lunch, or a casual weeknight dinner, this bright red, smoky, and flavorful rice is always the star of the table. Some even say a Nigerian party isn’t complete without a big pot of Jollof!

There are many variations across West Africa, but Nigerian Jollof rice has its own unique twist — rich with tomatoes, peppers, spices, and that unforgettable smoky flavor if you cook it right. Today, I’ll walk you through a simple, budget-friendly recipe you can make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Jollof Rice Recipe

  • ✅ Affordable and family-friendly

  • ✅ Easy to scale up for parties

  • ✅ Uses everyday ingredients

  • ✅ Delicious with chicken, plantains, or even fish

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves about 6 people — adjust quantities as needed)

For the Chicken Stock:

  • ½ kilo (about 1 lb) chicken (drumsticks or thighs work best)

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 1 seasoning cube (or bouillon)

  • 2 tablespoons curry powder

  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

  • 4 cups long-grain parboiled rice

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 1 bay leaf

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)

  • 2 cubes seasoning (bouillon)

  • 2 tablespoons curry powder

  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme

  • 2 tablespoons ground crayfish (optional, but adds flavor)

  • Salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Stock

  1. Wash the chicken and place in a pot.

  2. Add sliced onion, curry, thyme, seasoning cube, salt, and pepper.

  3. Steam the chicken on low heat for 2 minutes to release its juices.

  4. Add 1 cup of water and cook until the chicken is done.

  5. Remove chicken pieces and set both chicken and stock aside.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken and Flavor the Oil

  • Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.

  • Fry the chicken lightly until golden.

  • Remove the chicken, but keep the oil — it’s now infused with flavor.

Step 3: Build the Jollof Base

  1. In the same pot, sauté onions and bay leaf for about 10 seconds.

  2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes until it reduces slightly.

  3. Add bell peppers, curry, thyme, and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry.

  4. Pour in the chicken stock and 1 cup of water.

  5. Add seasoning cubes, ground crayfish (if using), and salt to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

  1. Wash and parboil your rice.

  2. Add it to the pot with the sauce mixture.

  3. Stir well, then cover tightly with foil or parchment to trap steam.

  4. Reduce heat to low and allow the rice to cook for about 10–15 minutes.

  5. Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy, your Jollof is ready!

Garnish & Serving Suggestions

For that perfect finish, serve with:

  • Fried ripe plantains 🍌

  • Grilled or fried chicken 🍗

  • Steamed vegetables 🥕

  • Or even sausages for an extra kick 🌭

Tips for Perfect Jollof Rice

  • 🔥 For “party Jollof”, let the rice cook on very low heat so it gets a slightly smoky flavor.

  • 🍅 Blend fresh tomatoes and peppers into a puree for a more traditional base.

  • 🌶️ Like it spicy? Add fresh Scotch bonnet peppers when cooking.

Final Thoughts

Jollof rice is more than just food — it’s culture, celebration, and comfort on a plate. With this recipe, you’ll be able to recreate that authentic Nigerian taste in your own kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Nigerian Jollof Rice

1. What’s the difference between Nigerian and Ghanaian Jollof rice?
Both are delicious, but Nigerian Jollof rice is usually made with long-grain parboiled rice and has a slightly smokier, spicier flavor. Ghanaian Jollof often uses basmati rice and has a more tomato-forward taste.

2. Can I make Jollof rice without chicken?
Yes! You can use beef, fish, or even make it completely vegetarian. Simply swap chicken stock for vegetable stock and skip the meat.

3. Why is my Jollof rice soggy?
This usually happens when there’s too much water. Always add liquid gradually, cover tightly, and cook on low heat to let the rice steam instead of boil.

4. How do I get that “party Jollof” smoky taste?
Cook on very low heat in a thick-bottomed pot, and let the rice sit covered for a few extra minutes. The slight burning at the bottom of the pot adds the signature smoky flavor.

5. Can I cook Jollof rice in the oven?
Yes! After preparing the Jollof base, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 180°C (350°F) until the rice is fluffy. This method also helps with that smoky taste.

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