Ghanaian Jollof Rice

Balanced, herbaceous one-pot rice dish with fresh tomato prominence, aromatic ginger, and subtle spicing. Ghana's beloved version features slightly softer rice texture and optional vegetable additions, with emphasis on tomato freshness over smokiness.

1h 24mTime
MediumDifficulty
6 pplServings
GhanaianCuisine
Ghanaian Jollof Rice

Ingredients

0 of 19 ingredients checked

Produce

10
  • 900 g Roma Tomatoes
  • 2 large Red Bell Peppers
  • 1 whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper
  • 2 large Red Onions
  • 40 g Fresh Ginger
  • 5 cloves Garlic
  • 2 whole Bay Leaves
  • 2 medium Carrots
  • 100 g Green Peas
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Parsley

Grains & Starches

1
  • 600 g Long Grain Rice

Sauces & Oils

4
  • 100 g Tomato Paste
  • 100 ml Vegetable Oil
  • 850 ml Chicken Stock
  • 2 cubes Maggi Cubes

Spices & Seasoning

4
  • 1.5 tbsp Curry Powder
  • 1 tbsp Dried Thyme
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp White Pepper

19 items

Tags

Comfort FoodVegetarian AdaptableGhanaianRiceOne PotWest AfricanMainHerbaceousTomato BasedJollofParty Food

Instructions

fryingsimmeringsteaming
0% Complete

Blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, scotch bonnet, half the onion, ginger, and garlic into smooth puree

Heat oil in large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat until shimmering

Add onion and sauté until softened and translucent

Add tomato paste and fry, stirring frequently, until paste darkens and becomes fragrant

Pour in blended tomato-pepper mixture and stir to combine thoroughly

Add curry powder, thyme, white pepper, bay leaves, and crushed bouillon cubes, stir well

sauce uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and slightly

Add chicken stock and bring to boil

Add optional carrots if using and cook for 2 minutes

Add rinsed rice and stir gently to distribute evenly in sauce

Cover pot tightly with lid and heat to low

Cook covered for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed

Add optional green peas in final 5 minutes of cooking time if using

Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes

Fluff gently with fork and garnish with fresh parsley if using