Kid-Friendly Jollof Rice

Introduction

Hey, foodies! Welcome back to another delicious culinary adventure. Today, I'm going to show you how to whip up a mouthwatering and kid-friendly dish – Jollof Rice. This super simple recipe is perfect for pleasing even the pickiest eaters in your family. So, without further ado, let's dive into the kitchen and get started.

Step 1: Preparing the Seasoned Beef

• To kick things off, we'll be using some succulent beef cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the meat with a pinch of salt, beef seasoning, dried thyme, and curry powder.

• While you can adjust the seasoning according to your taste, don't forget to add some chopped onions to enhance the flavor.

• Mix these ingredients together and add a bit of water. This will help infuse the meat with all those delicious flavors.

• Now, cover the meat and let it cook for around 15 minutes or until it becomes tender.

Step 2: Preparing the Stew Base

• For the stew base, gather your ingredients: onions, Scotch bonnet pepper (adjust the quantity based on your heat preference), carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

• Give these ingredients a good wash, peel the carrots, and remove the seeds from the peppers.

• When you're ready to blend, start with the tomatoes, followed by the carrots, bell pepper, Scotch bonnet pepper, and onion.

• Blend everything until you achieve a smooth consistency, using as little water as possible.

Step 3: Cooking the Stew Base

• Pour the blended mixture into a pot and let it cook.

• This step is all about reducing the water content, so be patient. It may take around 30 to 40 minutes, and while it simmers away, periodically check on it to prevent burning.

Step 4: Frying the Beef

• Once the stew base is well on its way, it's time to fry the beef.

• This can be done in a pan, but if you prefer a healthier option, you can air fry the beef or use it boiled – it's equally delicious.

• Stir-fry the beef for about 5 to 8 minutes until it reaches a delightful brown color.

Step 5: Adding Flavor to the Stew

• Introduce some chopped onions to the beef and fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant.

• Now, add the boiled-down tomato and pepper mixture. This will serve as the base for your Jollof Rice, and you won't need any tomato paste for this recipe.

• Season the mixture with salt, beef seasoning, dried thyme, and curry powder. You can add more oil if needed, but it's not necessary.

• Allow this to fry for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. As it cooks, you'll notice the color deepening, signaling that the flavors are melding together beautifully.

Step 6: Cooking the Rice

• It's time to introduce the star of our dish – rice. For this recipe, I'm using Golden Salad Basmati rice, but other reputable brands will yield equally tasty results.

• Wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, and then add it to the pot.

• Pour in just enough water so that it covers the rice slightly. Give everything a gentle mix to combine.

• Cover the pot and allow the rice to cook for approximately 35 minutes over medium heat.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

• Once the rice is cooked to perfection, add the fried beef and some previously frozen peas. Peas are a crowd-pleaser among the little ones, but feel free to customize the dish with your family's favorite veggies, like sweet corn, diced carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, or cauliflower.

• For an extra treat, consider adding some diced fried plantains to the mix. It's a delightful addition that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a delicious and kid-friendly Jollof Rice recipe that's sure to become a family favorite. I hope you enjoyed watching this tutorial as much as I enjoyed creating it.