Walk through any Ghanaian neighborhood and the aroma of Jollof simmering in a pot will likely greet you. It's a dish served at every family celebration, from weddings and birthdays to funerals and even casual get-togethers. It's a symbol of community, shared experiences, and the warmth of togetherness that comes with a delicious meal enjoyed by loved ones.
One of the most endearing aspects of Jollof is the lighthearted "war" it ignites between West African countries. Every nation believes their Jollof is the best, with passionate arguments about the perfect color, the ideal spice blend, and the most authentic recipe. This playful rivalry isn't about animosity; it's a celebration of the rich culinary heritage shared across the region. It's a testament to Jollof's ability to unite people through a shared love for this iconic dish.
The beauty of Jollof lies in its versatility. While traditionally made with meat or fish, it can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Vegetarians can rejoice – a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian Jollof is just as satisfying! And the best part? You don't need to be a culinary expert to experience the magic of Ghanaian Jollof.
Easy Weeknight Jollof Recipe
Eze Authentic Foods
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Easy Dinners
Cuisine
Ghanaian
Servings
4
Prep Time
15-20 minutes
Cook Time
30-45 minutes
Calories
382
Bring the vibrant flavors of Ghana to your table with this delicious Jollof Rice recipe! This simplified version uses fragrant basmati or long-grain rice and can be easily prepared in the oven.
For a true time-saver, skip steps 1-4 and use 1 jar (16 oz) of Eze Jollof & All Purpose Simmer Sauce instead.
Instructions
1. Make the Base: In a blender or food processor, combine chopped onion, diced carrot, and grated ginger. Pulse until finely blended.
2. Fry the Base: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the blended mixture and fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and lightly browned. This step develops a richer flavor base.
3. Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This deepens the red color of the base.
4. Season with Bouillon Cube and Nutmeg: Crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the pot and simmer for 2 minutes. Season with nutmeg and salt to taste (if using Eze Jollof Sauce, skip salt as it's already seasoned).
Combine with Rice and Coconut Milk (Optional):
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. If using coconut milk: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked base (or Eze Jollof Sauce) with rice and stir to coat. Pour in the coconut milk and stir again to ensure even distribution.
6. If not using coconut milk: Transfer the cooked base (or Eze Jollof Sauce) to a large baking dish and add the rice. Stir to coat the rice with the base.
Bake and Fluff: 7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30-45 minutes.
8. Fluff the Rice (Optional Chicken Broth): After 20-25 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Using a fork, gently fluff the rice. At this point, if the rice seems dry, you can gradually add the chicken broth, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring gently after each addition. Stop adding broth once the rice reaches your desired softness.
9. Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through. Fluff the rice again halfway through this final baking period.
10. Serve and Enjoy! Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Jollof Rice with your favorite protein and vegetables.
Recipe Note
Tips:
1. The chicken broth addition during fluffing is optional. Adjust the amount based on your desired rice texture.
2. Want to add some protein? Marinate and cook your favorite protein (chicken, fish, or tofu) separately and serve it alongside the Jollof Rice.
With Eze Jollof & All Purpose Simmer Sauce, you can create a restaurant-quality Jollof Rice in minutes! Simply skip steps 1-4 and use the jarred simmer sauce instead. Enjoy the authentic taste of Ghana in the comfort of your own kitchen.
