Jollof Rice
AI-generated image
Vegan Gluten-free West African

Jollof Rice

A deeply savory West African rice dish cooked in a fragrant roasted pepper, tomato, and onion sauce until every grain is richly colored and tender. Serve it as a centerpiece with fried plantains, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad.

70 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Add the red bell pepper, tomatoes, half of the onion, ginger, and garlic to a blender. Blend until completely smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides if needed.
2
Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy 4-liter saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.
3
Stir in the blended vegetable mixture and tomato paste. Season with the thyme, smoked paprika, and salt, then simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced, darker, and glossy.
Thick glossy pepper and tomato sauce simmering in a saucepan AI-generated image
4
Add the drained rice and stir for 2 minutes, coating every grain in the sauce. Pour in the hot vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a steady boil.
5
Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 25 minutes. Do not stir during this stage; the rice should absorb the liquid and become tender while retaining a slight bite.
6
Turn off the heat and leave the saucepan covered for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the remaining steam to finish the rice and firm the grains.
7
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, taste for salt, and serve hot. The finished grains should be tender, vividly red, and separate enough to mound rather than spread.
Vibrant West African jollof rice with distinct grains and fried plantains AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Blending the peppers, tomatoes, onion, and ginger creates a smooth, concentrated base, while briefly frying the rice in that sauce coats each grain with flavor before the slow covered simmer.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool the rice within 2 hours, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months.

How to reheat it

Reheat thoroughly in a covered saucepan or microwave with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water per serving, until steaming hot throughout. Stir once before serving.

Nutrition / serving

425kcal
7.75 gprotein
72.71 gcarbs
11.35 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 21 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026