Spicy, smoky, authentic Nigerian-style jollof rice plus a collection of recipes from Black food bloggers around the world. Originally posted February 2018 and updated March 2021.
Happy Black History Month, y'all! To kick things off, I'm sharing a recipe that's near and dear to my heart and the pride of my father's home country: Nigerian jollof rice. There's been a lot of buzz lately over which West African nation produces the best jollof rice, which is quite a shock to me since I was born and raised on the best kind: Nigerian jollof. Period. If you are wondering which country has the best jollof rice, one taste of this version will settle your mind. Let's get into it!
More Black History Month recipes:
- Aunt Georgia's Peach Cobbler
- Soul Food Power Bowls
- Suya Spiced Brussels Sprouts
- Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits with Pear Compote
My heritage is Nigerian on my dad's side and Black American on my mom's side so I like to switch up (and sometimes even combine) what I share in the BHM potluck each year. As for the rest of our virtual potluck menu, the contributions span the African diaspora, with soul food classics, Caribbean staples, Latin fare, Creole creations, and more African recipes. The full menu is down below just after my step-by-step jollof rice recipe. You can also see regular recipe contributions from top black food bloggers on Facebook at We Love Black Food Bloggers.
Now, despite Naija style jollof being collectively superior, each person makes theirs a bit differently. I've tasted several variations and, in my opinion, my Aunty Toyin makes the best jollof (and Nigerian food, in general) that I've ever tasted. So she coached me through my first-ever pot of jollof a few years back.
So this isn't necessarily how every Nigerian makes their jollof but it's what I grew up on. Like many good dishes, this recipe wasn't previously written down anywhere and the measurements are approximations. Feel free to modify this as you see fit. For example, our family likes a lot of spiciness and my Aunty would add more scotch bonnet peppers if she were making a pot for herself but we didn't want to burn anybody's tongues off so we settled on four for this recipe. I would love to hear how you make yours (please be respectful) in the comments section below.
What is Jollof Rice?
Jollof rice is a West African staple recipe that starts with the a simple red stew as the flavor base. The rice cooks in this combination of fresh vegetables, aromatics, and spices, plus a few other add ins. Here's what goes into a pot of Nigerian jollof. It's simple but so very good!
- Bay Leaf
- Bell Pepper
- Chicken & Beef Broth
- Curry Powder
- Maggi Cube (bouillon)
- Oil
- Onion
- Parboiled Rice
- Salt
- Scotch Bonnet Peppers
- Thyme
- Tomato Paste and Sauce
- Tomatoes
Tips for Making Jollof Rice at Home
- What does jollof taste like? From the ingredients, you've likely gathered that jollof rice is a bit spicy, it's savory, and has a hint of meatiness from the bouillon and broth. It's also smoky if you do it right.
- What to do if my jollof rice burns? Many people believe that jollof rice tastes best when a bit of it burns. If your rice starts burning excessively or very early on in the cooking process, simply add a little more water and/or oil to help that.
- How long to cook jollof rice? Jollof rice takes roughly 40 minutes to cook in my experience but I find it is best to stay nearby during the process, stir often, and taste test as you go. Check the recipe card notes below for some common corrections you might need to make along the way.
What to Serve with Jollof Rice
I hope you enjoy a big pot of Nigerian jollof rice with friends and family very soon. Sharing is caring online, too, so be sure to pin this Naija recipe on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Nigerian Party Jollof Recipe
Classic one-pot West African staple comprised of fluffy, fiery rice flavored with tomato, peppers, onion, spices, and chicken and beef stocks
- 7 roma tomatoes cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and cut into chunks
- ½ white onion cut into chunks
- 4 habanero or scotch bonnet peppers use fewer or more depending on your preference
- ½ cup water
- 8 cups parboiled rice rinsed
- ¼-1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 4-6 ounces tomato paste
- 4 cubes chicken and/or beef buillon crushed
- 3 cups chicken and or beef stock
- 2 teaspoons powdered white pepper
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon powdered bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon powdered thyme
- sea salt to taste
- Add tomatoes, onion, red bell pepper, and habanero peppers to a blender with ½ cup of water then blend until completely liquified and uniform (about 2 minutes).
Meanwhile, rinse the parboiled rice in plenty of warm water then drain.
Add rice and vegetable oil to a large pot over medium flame, followed by blended tomato mixture, tomato paste and sauce, chicken and beef stocks, crushed bouillon, white pepper, curry powder, powdered bay leaf, powdered thyme, and sea salt. Stir everything together until uniform.
Cook for about 40 minutes or until rice is cooked through and all liquid has dissipated, stir (to help prevent sticking and burning) and taste-test the liquid and rice as you go.
It may be necessary to add more liquid along the way to prevent the rice at the bottom from burning excessively (see recipe notes). The bottom layer of rice in a pot of jollof rice often burns, which is where the smoky flavor comes from. Some believe that the rice tastes best when this happens. As you stir the rice and expose any burnt portions, you can simply discard them if you don't want them in the rice.
Recipe Video
- Spice measurements are to taste, which is why tasting as you go is so important.
- Jollof rice burns quickly so it is best to use a non-stick pot and cook over medium heat.
- As the rice cooks and liquid dissipates, you may find it necessary to add additional ingredients according to your preference:
- more oil for moisture
- more stock or bouillon for flavor
- more tomato paste or sauce for color
- Sea salt to your taste
2018 Black History Month Virtual Potluck Menu
Turkey Sausage Stuffed Collard Green Wraps from Beautiful Eats & Things
Corn Pudding from Better with Biscuits
Creole Seafood Courtbouillon from Beyond the Bayou Food Blog
Better than Jiffy Cornbread from Scratch from Brandi's Diary
Southern-Style Mac and Cheese from Butter be Ready
Fried Sweet Potato Hand Pie from Chef Kenneth
Pilau and Kachumbari (Spiced Rice with Pico) from Chocolate for Basil
Braised Short Rib Meatloaf from Cooks with Soul
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding from D.M.R. Fine Foods
Fried Peach Hand Pies from Domestic Dee
Olive Oil Collard Greens from Eat.Drink.Frolic
Mofongo Relleno (Mashed Plantains w/Garlic Shrimp) from Food Fidelity
Buttermilk Biscuits with Fried Chicken and Tabasco Honey from Food is Love Made Edible
Crawfish Etouffee from High Heels and Good Meals
Shrimp with Spicy Curry Cream Sauce from HomeMade Zagat
Sweet Almond Tea Cakes from Houston Food Fetish
Pineapple Lemonade from In the Kitchen w/Kmarie
Bourbon Peach Glazed Salmon from Marisa Moore Nutrition
Candied Bourbon Peach Cobbler from Meiko and The Dish
Lentil Soup and Roast Okra from My Life Runs on Food
Carrot and Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry with Shrimp from Orchids + Sweet Tea
Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts from Raised on Ramen
Creamy Fish Stew from Savory Spricerack
Blackberry Cobbler from Simply LaKita
Orange Bundt Cake with Vanilla Glaze from The Hungry Hutch
Smothered Turkey Wings from The Kitchenista Diaries
Honey Turmeric Skillet Chicken from The Seasoning Bottle
Sarah Belanger | Sincerely Anchored says
I love learning about different cultures and traditions! Thanks for teaching me about something new! And I can't wait for the Black Panther premiere. It looks SO good!
Jazz says
I'm counting the days. Thanks for reading, Sarah!
Amanda Martin says
Well this look straight up scrumptious! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jordan says
Mmm, this sounds so spicy and flavorful! Also, I love the idea of a virtual potluck - so neat!
Tami says
I have never made this b4... I want to suprise my fiance with home cooking he is from Nigeria & I'm from TX...i know he wants the Jollof rice & a melon soup..... Could someone please be kind enough to give me a recipe for the melon soup & an easy recipe for pounded yam... Any other recipes would be greatful I truly wish to learn to cook for him.. Some say this makes a difference & some say it doesn't but he is Yoruba... Please help me make out a meal together that will please & shock him... I'm willing to put the work in it takes... I'm trying to learn his culture just as much as he is trying to learn mine... It's our first year anniversary & I want to please him & suprise him with me trying to learn his culture in food as well as life... Thank you for the help... I'm humbled
Jazz says
Hi, Tami! Thanks for stopping by. The melon soup you mentioned is egusi. I'm not proficient in making it or pounded yam but there are many helpful recipes and videos out there. Here's a link to 9jafoodie's egusi (Yoruba style): https://9jafoodie.com/yoruba-style-egusi-soup/ and here's Phrankleen's youtube video for making pounded yam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODR_ITXtW9s (the closest thing I can equate the process to is making grits but it's not exactly the same. If you need any help with the jollof rice part, shoot me an email at [email protected] for a quicker response. Hope your fiance loves the meal!
Catherine says
I'm not familiar with Nigerian jollof, but this looks delicious!
Emily says
This looks fantastic!! And so fun to learn about your story and background!
Quin @Butter Be Ready says
I've always heard great things about Nigerian Jollof rice, I'm definitely trying this recipe...looks delicious! 🙂
Jazz says
Thanks, Quin! You won't be disappointed lol.
Robin says
I have been to Lagos and enjoyed the food so much that I was elated to find this recipe! It tastes like the rice I enjoyed on my trip.
Jazz says
So glad to hear that, Robin!
Michelle says
One of my favorite things to cook for my Nigerian spouse. However, I had some last night that made me want to slap my momma.
Marta says
I LOVE jollof rice because it reminds me of comfort. This one is perfect as my Nigerian friend has deemed it so!
Desirée says
Finally a Jollof Rice recipe I think I can pull off!
Katrina Adams says
Sounds yummy and full of flavor!!
Adri says
My husband LOVES Jollof but I've been a little intimidated to make it at home because I want it to turn out perfectly and like the versions he's used to. Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic recipe; I'll report back soon and let you know how it goes, but I'm certain he's going to love it.
Calysta says
Mmmmm! I loves me some Jollof rice! I’m looking forward to trying this recipe!
Jayne Rain says
This looks so simple and delicious. I can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing
Jessica says
I've always been intimidated to attempt authentic Jollof rice but no more! This recipe was easy to follow and so delicious. Thank you for sharing your family recipe, Jazz!
Chenée says
I love Nigerian Jollof rice, but I never tried to make it myself until now! Your recipe was easy to follow and came out PERFECT! Thank you!
Jazz says
You're so welcome, Chenee!
Eric & Shanna Jones says
So glad we came across this recipe! We've been looking for a jollof rice recipe for a while, and yours did not disappoint. So much flavor! We've already enjoyed this with so many dishes. Thanks for sharing your heritage through this recipe.
Jazz says
You're so welcome. Glad y'all enjoyed!
Jazz says
Glad y'all enjoyed. Jollof goes with just about everything in my book!
Immaculate Ruému says
As a Nigerian myself, nothing beats a good pot of Jollof rice. This recipe did not fail and I can now say it is one of my faves. Vibrant, flavourful and just simply delicious!
Jazz says
I'm so glad you approve, Imma!
Kaluhi says
This was freakin perfect!!!! Loved the flavor and love how everything came together so perfectly!
Tamara says
I had Jollof rice at a friend's house awhile back, and I've been looking for the recipe ever since. This is the perfect recipe! Super delicious, and tastes just like my friend made it.