Spicy Nigerian Jollof Rice with Plantains

Name: Spicy Nigerian Jollof Rice with Plantains
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Long-grain parboiled rice; Vegetable oil; Large onion; Red bell pepper; Tomatoes; Tomato paste; Curry powder; Thyme; Chicken stock; Bay leaf; Salt; Black pepper; Red chili peppers; Bell pepper; Garlic; Ginger root; Chicken thighs; Vegetable oil; Cayenne pepper; Garlic powder; Salt & pepper; Ripe plantains; Vegetable oil; Salt

A vibrant, flavorful staple of West African cuisine

Dive into this delicious, spicy and comforting Nigerian dish that combines perfectly cooked jollof rice with crispy, sweet plantains.

1 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Jollof Rice

Long-grain parboiled rice

2 cups

Vegetable oil

1/4 cup

Large onion

1, finely chopped

Red bell pepper

1, chopped

Tomatoes

2, chopped

Tomato paste

1 tablespoon

Curry powder

2 teaspoons

Thyme

1 teaspoon

Chicken stock

2 cups

Bay leaf

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

For the Pepper Blend

Red chili peppers

Bell pepper

1, chopped

Garlic

2 cloves

Ginger root

1 inch, chopped

For the Marinated Chicken

Chicken thighs

1 lb, boneless

Vegetable oil

1 tablespoon

Cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon

Garlic powder

1 teaspoon

Salt & pepper

to taste

For the Plantains

Ripe plantains

Vegetable oil

for frying

Salt

to taste

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, mix the chicken with oil, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Marinate

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Bake Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Preparing the Pepper Blend

Add Ingredients to Blender

Combine chili peppers, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger in a blender.

Ensure the chili peppers are fully deseeded to manage heat.

Blend

Blend until smooth.

For a smoky flavor, lightly roast the tomatoes before blending.

Set Aside

Set aside for use in the Jollof rice.

Cooking Process

Making the Jollof Base

Heat oil, sauté onions until translucent, add tomato paste and fry for 5 minutes.

Incorporating the Rice

Add rice, chicken stock, pepper blend, and seasonings; mix well and bring to a boil.

Simmering

Reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes until rice is cooked.

Plating & Serving