Spicy Nigeria Jellof Rice

Nigeria is known for its delicious and flavorful Jollof rice, which is a popular dish enjoyed by many people both within Nigeria and around the world. Jollof rice is a one-pot rice dish that is typically made with long-grain parboiled rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices and seasonings.

One of the key elements that sets Nigerian Jollof rice apart is its spiciness. Nigerian cuisine is known for its vibrant and bold flavors, and Jollof rice is no exception. The spiciness comes from the addition of hot peppers, such as scotch bonnet peppers or habanero peppers, which are commonly used in Nigerian cooking. These peppers add a fiery kick and depth of flavor to the dish.

The preparation of Nigerian Jollof rice often involves frying the rice in a mixture of oil and onions before adding in blended tomatoes and peppers. This process helps to infuse the rice with the flavors of the onions and peppers, creating a rich and spicy base. Additional seasonings such as garlic, ginger, thyme, curry powder, and bouillon cubes are also commonly used to enhance the taste of the dish.

Nigerian Jollof rice is often served as a main course or as a side dish alongside other Nigerian delicacies like fried plantains, grilled chicken or beef, moi moi (steamed bean pudding), and coleslaw. It is a popular choice for parties, celebrations, and gatherings, as it is both flavorful and satisfying.

It's worth noting that Jollof rice is a dish that has sparked friendly debates and competitions among West African countries, each claiming to have the best version. The Nigerian version is highly regarded and cherished by many people for its spicy and robust flavors.

Here's a recipe for spicy Nigerian Jollof Rice:

Ingredients:

*2 cups long-grain parboiled rice

*1 pound chicken, cut into pieces (optional)

*1 can (400g) diced tomatoes

*1 red bell pepper, diced

*1 onion, diced

*3-4 Scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

*4 cloves of garlic, minced

*1 tablespoon tomato paste

*1 teaspoon thyme

*1 teaspoon curry powder

*1 teaspoon paprika

*1 teaspoon dried thyme

*1 bay leaf

*2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

*1 cup frozen peas and carrots

*1/2 cup vegetable oil

*Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent.

3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot (if using) and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

4. In the same pot, add the diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, Scotch bonnet peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

5. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, curry powder, paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

6. Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the tomato and spice mixture.

7. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.

8. If using chicken, return the browned chicken pieces to the pot at this point. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and cooked through.

9. Check the rice occasionally and add more broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

10. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.

11. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.

12. Serve the spicy Nigerian Jollof Rice hot and enjoy!

Remember, you can adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or fewer Scotch bonnet peppers according to your preference. You can also customize the recipe by adding other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or green beans, to the dish. Enjoy your flavorful and spicy Nigerian Jollof Rice!