Ghana Jollof Rice

This flawless, flavorful rice is an absolute crowd-pleaser. If you want to infuse your family's meals with some mind-blowing flavor, this is the recipe for you.

Course Main, Side

Cuisine African

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 30

Servings

Calories 771kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

Beef and Stock

2 pounds beef, cut into cubes (any cut will work)
1 ½-inch knob ginger
1 medium onion
3 cloves garlic
1 scotch bonnet (optional)
4 cups (950ml) water
1 tablespoon (10g) bouillon powder
1 teaspoon (6g) salt
1 teaspoon (2-3g) white or black pepper
2 bay leaves

Tomato Base

1 large onion
6-8 large tomatoes
5 cloves garlic
1 1-inch knob ginger
3 red bell peppers
2 red habanero peppers (optional)

Ghana Jollof Rice

1/2 cup (120ml) cooking oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon (2-3g) fresh thyme, chopped
½ cup (240g) tomato paste
½ teaspoon (2-3g) paprika
¼ teaspoon (.5g) ground anise seeds
¼ teaspoon (.5-1g) ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon (.5-1g) curry powder
¼ teaspoon (.5g) ground cloves
½ teaspoon (1.5g) black pepper
1 tablespoon (2g) mixed dried herbs
1 teaspoon (6g) salt
1 tablespoon (10g) bouillon powder
3 cups (588g) long-grain rice (Thai jasmine or basmati)
2 cups (475ml) beef broth (reserved from cooking the beef)
1 cups (235ml) water

Instructions

Beef

Puree the ginger, garlic, onion, and scotch bonnet pepper with about ½ cup of water.
Add the beef, pureed seasonings, 3½ cups of water, salt, pepper, bouillon powder, and bay leaves to a large stockpot.
Cook for about 30 minutes or until the meat is tender (depending on the cut, it could be a couple of hours). You can use a pressure pot or instant pot to shorten the process.
Once cooked, remove the meat, strain the broth in a fine mesh strainer, and set aside. You should have about 2 cups of broth.
Puree the onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, habanero, and red bell peppers with about ¼ cup of water until smooth.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the beef and fry until golden. Take it out and set aside.

Tomato Base

Add the onions and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 15 minutes.
Next, add in the blended tomato mixture and cook for 20 minutes.
Add all the seasoning, herbs, salt, and bouillon powder, and cook for another 10 minutes.
While your tomato stew is cooking, wash your rice until the water runs clear; it takes about four washes.

Jollof Rice

Add the washed rice to the tomato base and stir to coat with the sauce.
Add 2 cups of beef stock and 1 cup of water.
Add the meat and adjust the seasoning to taste at this point.
Reduce heat to low, cover tightly with foil paper, and cover with the lid. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes, carefully stirring every 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

A pressure cooker or instant pot shortens the cooking time.
A heavy-bottomed pan keeps your rice from burning while cooking.
Always rinse your rice 3-4 times to remove excess starch for fluffier jollof rice.
Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition