Sierra Leonean Jollof Rice — Print Recipe

A vibrant one-pot rice dish cooked in a rich tomato and pepper sauce with fragrant spices, chicken, and vegetables — Sierra Leone's beloved party staple.

Ingredients

3 cups long grain rice, washed
500g chicken pieces
6 large tomatoes, blended
2 red bell peppers, blended
2 scotch bonnet peppers
2 large onions, chopped
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 bouillon cubes
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp curry powder
2 bay leaves
Salt to taste

Instructions

1 Season chicken with salt, thyme, and onion, boil until tender. Reserve stock.
2 Blend tomatoes, red peppers, and scotch bonnet until smooth.
3 Heat oil in a heavy pot, fry onions until golden.
4 Add tomato paste, fry 2 minutes. Add blended pepper mixture.
5 Fry on medium heat for 25-30 minutes until oil floats on top.
6 Add chicken stock, bouillon cubes, curry powder, bay leaves, and salt.
7 Add washed rice, stir once, cover tightly and cook on low heat 30-35 minutes.
8 Add chicken pieces on top, cover and steam 10 more minutes. Fluff and serve.

Did You Know?

The "jollof wars" between Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Ghana are the internet's most delicious rivalry — each country insists theirs is the original and best.