Zesty Ghanaian Jollof Rice with Smoked Turkey Tails

Name: Zesty Ghanaian Jollof Rice with Smoked Turkey Tails
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 3 cups long-grain parboiled rice; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 large onion; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon ginger; 1 1/2 cups blended tomatoes, bell peppers, and habanero; 3 smoked turkey tails; 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and black pepper; 4 cups chicken stock; 2 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon thyme

A vibrant and spicy one-pot meal

Enjoy the rich flavors of Jollof rice infused with perfectly smoked turkey tails in this iconic West African dish.

1 h 45 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Jollof Rice Base

3 cups long-grain parboiled rice

rinsed

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 large onion

sliced

3 cloves garlic

minced

1 tablespoon ginger

minced

1 1/2 cups blended tomatoes, bell peppers, and habanero

For the Smoked Turkey Tails

3 smoked turkey tails

cut into pieces

1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper

to taste

For the Stock

4 cups chicken stock

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon thyme

Preparation

Marinating the Smoked Turkey Tails

Mix Turkey and Spices

Combine the smoked turkey tails with the all-purpose seasoning, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Marinate

Let the turkey tails marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Roast

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and roast for 20 minutes until slightly crispy.

Preparing the Jollof Base

Heat Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté Aromatics

Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and ginger and cook for an additional minute.

Cook Tomato Mix

Stir in the blended tomato mix and cook for 10 minutes until reduced.

Ensure the tomato base is well-cooked to avoid an acidic taste. Pro Tip: Use fresh tomatoes for a brighter flavor.

Cooking Process

Build the Rice Base

Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for 5 minutes.

Timing: Tomato Base Cooking: 10 min; Heat: Medium heat.

Incorporate the Stock

Pour in the chicken stock, add bay leaves, and thyme.

Simmer to Perfection

Add the rice, cover, and simmer on low heat until tender.

Overall Simmering: 35 min; Heat: Low heat.

Plating & Serving