Jollof Rice War

Jollof Rice War: Preparing A Delicious Nigerian Jollof

Jollof rice is one of the Nigerian meals that cut across various tribes and ethnic groups in the country. And among the different ways of cooking the meal "party/owanbe" jollof rice stands out. 

As a correct Nigerian citizen, have you ever been to a party and marveled at the sumptuous taste of the jollof rice?. The smoky heat from the charcoal that is used in preparing the meals adds one special and unique flavor to the meal.

On your way home, you said to yourself  "cooking this jollof rice shouldn't be hard now😏" but after trying out your wonderful recipe, you ended up cooking a concoction of rice or better still a concoction of Jollof😂. There's a divine taste that comes from party rice that makes it different from the jollof rice we cook at home especially if it is wedding Jollof😌😊.

On this note, welcome to the first episode of 'The Foodie' blog. this episode is about the right recipes/ingredients to help you prepare a perfect "Smoky Nigerian Party Jollof" rice at home. 

I recommend this recipe because it is 100% proven and perfect. sit back and relax as I will be taking you on this journey together.

In cooking our "Delicious Smoky Jollof Rice", below are the ingredients needed;

• Long grain rice
• Vegetable oil
• Tomato purée or paste
• 3 chopped onions
• Rosemary, Thyme, Curry, and Salt
• Chicken stock
• 6 bay leaf
• Pepper mix

To get the right quantity of pepper mix, follow these measurements;

• 50% Red bell peppers (tatashe)
• 15% red tomatoes
• 10% Chilli (sumbo)
• 10% Scotch Bonnet (rodo)
• 15% onions

Although it is optional to get a thick and finery pepper mix, it is advisable to roast the pepper for 2-3 minutes before blending.

Preparing our hot smoky party jollof rice

1. Heat up the groundnut oil.
2. Add onions to fry for 10-15 minutes.
3. Then add the tomato purée or paste.

It is important to note that your tomatoes puree must fry very well before adding any other thing. so it is advisable to let it fry for 15 minutes.

• After adding the tomatoes puree or paste, add bay leaves, curry, thyme, rosemary, and garlic.
• Mix it together.
• Then add the pepper mixture, seasoning powder, ginger, and chicken stock.
• allow the ingredients to mix together for 15 minutes before adding the per-boiled rice to the sauce.
• Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• After adding water a little above the rice level and cover it.
• Seal it up with a nice foil paper and allow it to cook.

While cooking, do not open the rice, don't stare, and most importantly the rice must burn!!!😁. The highlight of jollof rice is the smoke it absorbs. Therefore, allow the rice to burn for at least 10 minutes before serving so you can get the smoky taste. 

Although it is optional, the cooked rice can be sprinkled with sliced onions and tomatoes to add another special taste to the smoky rice.

Lastly, I must remind you that all ingredients must be thoroughly washed and must be of the right proportions depending on the amount of rice you want to cook.

Do you like this content? let me know in the comment section if you will be trying this out😊.

Written by Oluwadamilola Olaniyan

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