My Neighbor’s Table: Jollof Rice

The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place full of so many wonderful cultures and with that, lots of great food. Northwest Harvest wants to honor those we call our neighbors, while offering a quick look into their culture and bringing us closer to understanding the importance of food as a right. Now, every month you can look forward to an amazing recipe gathered from all corners of our beautiful state to make at home.

Jollof Rice is one of the oldest and most popular dishes eaten across all of West Africa. This iconic dish is a staple in celebratory and social gatherings. Many different variations can be found around the region. This one pot dish can be made with a variety of meats and vegetables and is high in protein and fiber.

Jollof Rice

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 C oil (not olive oil)
• 6 med plum/roma tomatoes
• 6 poblano/red bell peppers* (no seeds)
• 3 med red onions
• 1 hot pepper* to taste (optional)
• 3 T tomato paste
• 2 t Carribean/Jamaican style curry powder*
• 1 t dried thyme*
• 2 dried bay leaves*
• 5-6 C of stock* (beef, chicken, vegetable)
• 4 C of uncooked rice
• 2 t butter*
• salt and black* pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a blender (or by hand) combine tomatoes, red poblano/red bell pepper, 2 onions chopped, hot pepper (optional), and 2 C of stock. Blend until smooth. Pour into a large pot/pan and bring to a boil. Once boil is rolling, turn down heat and simmer partly covered for 12 mins.
• In a large pan heat oil and add 1 onion thinly sliced, season with salt, and stir-fry for 3 mins. Add bay leaves, curry powder, thyme, black pepper, and stir-fry for 4 mins on med heat.
• Add tomato paste, and stir for 2 mins. Add in blended mixture, reduce heat slightly, and simmer for 10 mins partly covered.
• Add 4 C of stock to the sauce, and boil for 2 mins.
• Add rinsed rice and butter, cover with foil, then lid and cook on lowest heat for 30 mins. OPTIONAL: add more butter, sliced onions and fresh tomatoes to taste, stir thoroughly.
• Stir through, let rest and enjoy.