Jollof rice (West African rice)

The West African party dish: rice simmered in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, fragrant and colourful. Sociable and tasty, it is a complete dish with endless variations.

Prep time: 15 min  |  Cook time: 35 min  |  Servings: 6  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per portion from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 131 kcal · 4 g protein · 26 g carbohydrate · 1 g fat

Ingredients

• 300 g rice
• 2 tins of chopped tomatoes
• 2 peppers
• 2 onions
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 chilli

Method

1. Blend the tomatoes, peppers and one onion into a sauce.
2. Reduce this sauce with the spices.
3. Add the rice and water, then cover.
4. Cook for 20 minutes until absorbed.

Nutritional benefits

Rice provides carbohydrate, the tomato and pepper sauce lycopene, vitamin C and antioxidants, and the spices flavour. A complete and sociable West African dish, inexpensive and colourful, naturally plant-based and gluten-free. Serve it with vegetables or a protein for balance.

Variations and substitutions

• With chicken or fish.
• With beans for more protein.
• With brown rice.
• Hotter or milder depending on the chilli.

Storage and making ahead

Keeps for 3 days and reheats well. The rice can also be eaten cold.

💡 Good to know

Reduce the tomato and pepper sauce well before adding the rice: it gives jollof its concentrated colour and flavour.

Related reading

Discover more vegetarian recipes · vegan recipes · healthy & balanced recipes · gluten-free recipes.

The foods in this recipe: rice · tomatoes · peppers · onions · ginger.

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