Skip to Content

Jollof Rice

This Jollof Rice is made with simple ingredients that you already store in the fridge or the pantry. It is packed with amazing flavors, easy to prepare and flavorful. No one would ever tell it is naturally vegan. 

Fresh parsley is used for garnish of the Jollof Rice.

Budget friendly, satisfying rice recipes like this Veggie Fried Rice, the Jamaican Rice and Peas, or the Dirty Rice  are my jam.

I could enjoy these each and every day. 

Looking for more rice dishes, use the search bar and be sure to discover more amazing ideas.

Main ingredients you need for this Jollof Rice.

Why you should try this Jollof Rice

If you ask me for why you need to make this recipe, just take a look at the pictures. Isn’t this mouthwatering enough?

Be sure that you will be able to treat yourself to a rice dish that is:

  • easy to make with step by step pictures
  • simple but impressive
  • versatile
  • satisfying
  • filling
  • cheap and makes a lot
  • flavorful
  • goes well alone or with almost anything

In the first step, we make an onion paste from fresh onions.

What you need for this Jollof Rice recipe

Take a look into your fridge and into the pantry. You should have the following at hand:

  • rice
  • garlic
  • onions
  • vegetable oil
  • tomato taste
  • chopped tomatoes

 

  • bell peppers
  • vegetable broth
  • chilis
  • smoked paprika
  • curry powder
  • thyme

Roasting onion paste and red bell pepper cubes.

Other wet ingredients, then rice, and cook everything in one pot.

How to make Jollof Rice

First thing is to prepare the onion paste. In a small food processor combine onions, garlic and 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Process until you get a smooth paste, set aside.

Now heat the remaining 3 Tbs oil in a pan until it is really hot. Then add onion paste and fry for around 3 minutes.

Next add bell peppers and chilis, fry for 2 minutes more. Now is the time to add the uncooked rice, tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, curry powder, and thyme. Season finally with a pinch of salt and pepper.

After the rice absorbs the full liquid, this Jolly Rice is ready.

Cook everything with a lid on top, stir frequently for around 25 minutes until everything is done. Note that this time might depend a bit on the rice brand you use.

Also if you need a bit more liquid, simply add water. Start with 1/4 cup do this until the Jollof Rice reaches the desired texture. Finally serve on bowls or on plates.

Prefer a milder taste? Simply skip the chilis or just use one and adjust from there.

Finished Jollof Rice in a large pot.

Meal prep

You can make this Jollof Rice easily in advance.

It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days.

Spoonful of the rice on a wooden spoon.
Variations

I know it is probably not authentic but you can add different veggies for more variation:

  • corn
  • carrots
  • peas
  • green beans

Easy and packed with amazing flavors: this Jollof Rice is budget friendly and so easy to prepare. The whole family will love for lunch, dinner, meal prep. So versatile and naturally vegan. #vegan #dairyfree #vegetatarian #glutenfree #dinner #lunch #mealprep #contentednesscookiing #jollofrice

Try this Jollof Rice for dinner, lunch or meal prep.

Share with me on Instagram or Facebook with a tag.

Love seeing all your remakes, Florian.

Fresh parsley is used for garnish of the Jollof Rice.

Jollof Rice

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

This Jollof Rice is made with simple ingredients that you already store in the fridge or the pantry. It is packed with amazing flavors, easy to prepare and flavorful. No one would ever tell it is naturally vegan. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rice, uncooked
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 heaping cup onions
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil + 3 Tbs
  • 5 oz tomato taste
  • 2 14 oz cans chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup red bell pepper
  • 2 red chilis
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • salt, pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. First thing is to prepare the onion paste. In a small food processor combine onions, garlic and 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Process until you get a smooth paste, set aside.
  2. Now heat the remaining 3 Tbs oil in a pan until it is really hot. Then add onion paste and fry for around 3 minutes.
  3. Next add bell peppers and chilis, fry for 2 minutes more. Now is the time to add the uncooked rice, tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, curry powder, and thyme. Season finally with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Cook everything with a lid on top, stir frequently for around 25 minutes until everything is done. Note that this time might depend a bit on the rice brand you use. Also if you need a bit more liquid, simply add water. Start with 1/4 cup do this until the Jollof Rice reaches the desired texture. Finally serve on bowls or on plates.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 2.5 cups
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 546Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 411mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 4gSugar: 15gProtein: 5g

Brittney

Thursday 16th of April 2020

Looks great! Would love to try. Which type of rice do you recommend?

Florian

Thursday 16th of April 2020

Hi Brittney! White or basmati rice is great. Hope that helps.

Skip to Recipe