Nigerian Jollof Rice

Rice: Prepare the rice

1Wash the rice thoroughly under cold running water (3 cups) to remove excess starch.

2In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water (3 cups) to a boil. Add the washed rice and cook until it is almost done. The rice should still have a slight bite to it. Drain and set aside.

Stew: Prepare the stew

1Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (1 tablespoon) in a large saucepan over medium heat.

2Add the finely chopped onion (1) and minced garlic (2 cloves) to the saucepan. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

3Add the finely chopped red and green bell (1) peppers to the saucepan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften.

4Add the finely chopped tomatoes (2) and tomato paste (2 tablespoons) to the saucepan. Stir well.

5Add the thyme (1 teaspoon), curry powder (1 teaspoon), paprika (1 teaspoon), dried thyme (1 teaspoon), dried basil (1 teaspoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), onion powder (1 teaspoon), maggi cube (1), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together.

6Cover the saucepan and let the stew cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Protein: Prepare the protein

1In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (2 tablespoons) over medium heat.

2Season the chicken (1 kg) pieces with paprika (1 teaspoon), dried thyme (1 teaspoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), onion powder (1 teaspoon), curry powder (1 teaspoon), salt, and pepper.

3Add the seasoned chicken (1 kg) to the pan and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine: Combine the rice, stew, and chicken (1 kg)

1In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (1 tablespoon) over medium heat.

2Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.

3Add the grated carrot (1) and sliced green bell pepper (1) to the pot. Stir well.

4Add the cooked rice to the pot and mix it with the vegetables.

5Add the prepared stew to the pot and mix everything together. The stew should evenly coat the rice.

6Gently stir in the cooked chicken (1 kg) pieces.

7Cover the pot and let the jollof rice cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

8Serve the Nigerian Jollof Rice hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.