The Only Ghana Jollof Recipe You need : Step by Step Guide

Let's discover the authentic Ghana Jollof recipe. As a Ghanaian who loves Ghanaian food, I can confidently say that Ghana can boast of many delicious and original delicacies. Ghanaian food is truly a top-class experience. Many of these dishes have been perfected with time and practice and passed on from generation to generation, usually through word of mouth or practice.

Many recipes have also been modernized, largely due to the introduction of technology, migration, and preferences. However, the authenticity of these dishes remains. One such meal that has received international recognition is Ghana Jollof. It is a popular dish that originated from Senegal from the Wolof empire known as Thieboudienne. This dish is quite popular in the western part of Africa nonetheless Ghana holds its own as one of the most delicious Jollof rice makers.

Jollof rice is mainly rice mixed with a rich tomato base sauce or stew. It is a one-pot dish that combines different natural ingredients to release a nutritious and flavorful orange-colored rice. It is served at homes and particularly at functions like weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, and parties. There is no festivity without the presence of Ghana Jollof, that is unacceptable! Jollof Rice has also gained a lot of international recognition due to its taste and the famous Ghana-Nigeria Jollof battle.

Many people argue that Ghana jollof is better than Nigerian jollof and vice versa. But I argue that each combines unique ingredients and therefore are both delicious in their own way. Jollof rice is also eaten by several African countries including Gambia, Mali, Cameroon, Senegal, etc. The dish can also be found in many parts of the world as many Africans are scattered all over the world. It is also a result of the internet, globalization, and the willingness of people to try other cultural foods.

How is Ghana Jollof Rice prepared?

Here is a simple method you can use to prepare your jollof rice, it’s very simple to follow yet the taste is undeniably good.

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Prep Time 1

Cook Time 2

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Ghanaian

Servings

Ingredients

6 large tomatoes
1 medium-sized tinned tomato paste
1 Medium sized green bell pepper
6 red chili/ Pepper
2 large Onions
3 cloves of Garlic
1 root Ginger
Cooking oil
Spices: Rosemary curry, bay leaves (optional), 1 seasoning cube and salt
2 cups of Rice
Water and Meat/ chicken stock
Mackerel or smoked Fish optional

Instructions

Blend the tomatoes, one onion, ginger, garlic, pepper and bell pepper with as little water as possible. Ideally using no water is the best option
Chop the other onion into cubes and set aside
In a pan, add the cooking oil, heat it up till its hot
Add the rosemary, curry and chopped onions
Stir and allow the flavor to be released for about 3 mins.
Add mackerel or smoked fish at this point if you are using it
Add blended pepper mix, stir continuously, and keep on fire for about 10 mins
Add the tomato paste to the mixture and stir, allow it to simmer for about 5-8 mins
Add bay leaves, seasoning cube and salt and bring to a boil for 10-15 Mins
Wash rice and add into the stew, add chicken or beef stock and stir evenly
Add water(optional) stir and cover
After about 8-10 minutes, turn over and cover with foil or a napkin
Turn for about two more times in between 8-15 minutes.
Once the rice is at a texture you like, turn off the heat and serve hot

Video

Notes

How is Jollof Rice served?

Jollof rice can be eaten with a variety of side dishes: chicken, meat, turkey, eggs, fish, sausages, etc. are all assortment you can eat with Jollof. Anything goes with it and it can also be eaten as a stand-alone especially when it is cooked with some vegetables. Other things you can enjoy Jollof rice with includes salad, avocado, spaghetti, sauces like chicken and beef sauce, shito, green chili sauce etc.

Things to Note

The more flavorful your stew is, the more flavorful your rice will be
Allow your stew to cook properly. A well-cooked stew is key to a flavorful Jollof rice
You can add, remove, or substitute ingredients as you see fit, however, the basic ingredients needed for the recipe that make it jollof rice should not be ignored
The type of rice you use is extremely important to getting the texture you require. The results you will get for using basmati rice are not the same as a different kind of rice.
There are various ways to make Jollof; this is not the only way. Some people prefer adding vegetables or proteins to the rice. It also has its own flavor it adds. For example, Goat meat Jollof rice will taste slightly different from plain Jollof rice or vegetable Jollof rice.
Jollof does not like heat. Use low to medium heat especially when you add the rice so it doesn’t burn. Although burning is normal and produces what we call “kanzo”. Excessive heat can change the taste and texture of the rice
Finally, feel free to add your spin to it and enjoy your bowl of goodness

Have you tried making Jollof? What tips will you give to beginner Jollof Makers? Leave it in the comments below

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment down below