Jollof Rice
Discover the authentic taste of Ghana with flavorful Jollof Rice - a vibrant, one-pot dish made with spiced tomato sauce, seasoned rice, and tender chicken. Perfectly smoky, rich, and comforting, it’s West Africa’s most beloved meal.
Updated : 29 October, 2025
Easy
About 30 min.
Ingredients
For the base sauce
4
Tomato
400 grams
Tomato paste
2
Onion
2
Red bell pepper
2
Garlic
piece
Ginger
1
Hot chili pepper
0.5 cup
Vegetable oil
2 teaspoon
Curry paste
1 teaspoon
Dried thyme
2
Laurel leaf
1 teaspoon
Ground paprika
to taste
Salt
1
Broth cube
For the rice
3 cup
Parboiled rice
4 cup
Chicken broth
2 cup
Chicken
1 cup
Vegetables
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Use already cooked chicken for this dish. You can also use cooked beef or fried fish.
You can use mixed vegetables for cooking, this dish goes well with carrots, peas or green beans.
Step 2
For the base blend tomatoes, bell peppers, one onion, garlic, ginger, and chilli pepper until smooth.
Step 3
In a large pot, heat the oil. Add the chopped onion and fry until golden. Add the tomato paste and fry for 3-5 minutes to reduce the tanginess.
Step 4
Pour in the blended mixture and cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the oil separates from the sauce.
Step 5
Add curry paste, thyme, bay leaves, stock cubes, and salt. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6
Add the washed rice to the stew and mix thoroughly so each grain is coated in sauce.
Step 7
Pour in the stock or water just to slightly cover the rice. Stir, cover with foil or parchment paper, then the pot lid (this traps steam).
Step 8
Reduce heat to low and let it steam for 25-35 minutes. Check occasionally and add a little more stock if it’s drying out too quickly. Avoid stirring too much - it can make the rice mushy.
Step 9
Once rice is soft and fluffy, add the mixed vegetables and meat or fish. Stir gently. Let it steam another 5 minutes.
Step 10
Garnish and serve.