Jollof Rice Meals:   BUY NOW

Bizzys Jollof Rice is a Rich tomato-based sauce with fresh ingredients and spices commonly featured in Ghanaian Jollof Rice. It is renowned for its distinctive flavour combination due to its preparation technique and spice selection.

Ghanaian Jollof Rice is a flavourful, vibrant West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s a popular party food and an integral part of Ghanaian cuisine, often enjoyed with grilled meats, fried chicken, or fish. While there are variations of Jollof rice across West Africa (Nigeria, Senegal, etc.), the Ghanaian version has its distinct flavour profile, emphasising smoky, savoury elements.

Here’s how you can make a delicious pot of Bizzys Jollof Rice:

Ingredients:     BizzysBites

2 cups long-grain parboiled rice (washed)

• 3 medium-sized ripe tomatoes (blended)
• 1 medium onion (chopped, plus 1 extra for blending)
• 1 red bell pepper (blended)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or palm oil for a richer flavour)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (or habaneros, optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional, for tang)
• Salt and pepper to taste.    

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tomato sauce:
   • In a blender, combine the ripe tomatoes, red bell pepper, and one of the onions. Blend until smooth.
   • In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).
   • Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Pour in the blended tomato and pepper mixture, along with the tomato paste, and stir well.
   • Season with thyme, curry powder, paprika, and bay leaf. Add the scotch bonnet peppers (whole or chopped depending on how spicy you like it).
   • Allow the mixture to cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the oil begins to float on top.
2. Cook the rice:
   • Once the tomato sauce has thickened, add the rice to the pot and stir it into the sauce until the rice is well coated.
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth (or water), and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
   • Allow the rice to cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
3. Finish and serve:
   • Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. You can cover it with a clean kitchen towel and put the lid back on for 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffier.
   • Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the bay leaf, and check the seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
   • Serve the Jollof rice with fried chicken, grilled fish, or a side of salad.

Tips:

• Rice: Parboiled long-grain rice works best for Jollof because it doesn’t get too mushy, and the grains stay separate
• Smoky flavour: For extra smokiness, you can cook the Jollof rice in a well-seasoned pot or a Dutch oven that gives off a smoky aroma. Some people also add a small piece of smoked fish or meat to the rice to enhance the flavour.
• Spice level: Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your preference. You can reduce or omit the scotch bonnet if you prefer a milder dish.
• Texture: Some people love a crispy bottom layer of rice, called “Tulo” or “Kokonte”, so you can increase the heat towards the end of cooking to get that crispy layer (just be sure to stir gently to avoid burning).

Bizzys Jollof Rice is not just a dish but a celebration of flavour, so feel free to customise it to your taste and enjoy!

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