SMOKEY JELLOF RICE

Jollof rice is a popular West African dish known for its vibrant flavors and rich aromas. While there are many variations of this dish, one standout version is Smoky Jollof Rice. This recipe takes the traditional Jollof Rice and adds a delicious smoky twist that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and learn how to cook this mouthwatering delight.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups long-grain rice

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 1 green bell pepper, diced

- 1 can of diced tomatoes

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon curry powder

- 1 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 cup smoked chicken or smoked turkey, shredded (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice:

- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

- Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.

2. Prepare the sauce:

- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.

- Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

- Add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, curry powder, ground ginger, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables.

3. Cooking the rice:

- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot and stir everything together.

- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.

- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

- Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot, stirring gently to incorporate it into the sauce.

- If using smoked chicken or turkey, add it at this stage, distributing it evenly throughout the pot.

- Cover the pot again and let the rice cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

4. Infusing the smoky flavor:

- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.

- Carefully place the pot on the grill and let it smoke for about 5-10 minutes, uncovered.

- Alternatively, you can use a handheld smoker to infuse the smoky flavor into the rice. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for smoking the rice.

- After smoking, remove the pot from the grill and let the rice rest for a few minutes before serving.

5. Serving and garnishing:

- Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.

- Serve the Smoky Jollof Rice as a main dish or as a side to your favorite West African-inspired meal.

- You can garnish it with fresh herbs, such as chopped cilantro or parsley, to add a touch of freshness and color.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You have mastered the art of cooking Smoky Jollof Rice