Jollof Rice

Nigerian seasoned rice

Ingredients

• 1 medium tomato, roughly chopped
• 1 habanero pepper, stem removed
• 1/4 medium onion roughly chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 3/4 teaspoons hot chile powder
• 3/4 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 1/4 cups medium-grain rice
• Water, as needed

Directions

Combine the tomatoes, habanero, and onions, and purée in a blender. Add the bell pepper and blend until smooth.

Heat he vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the blended mixture along with the salt, curry powder, chile powder, garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaves, ginger, and thyme to the oil and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice until well mixed, then reduce the heat to low.

Cover pot and let cook until rice is al dente, about 45 minutes. After 25-30 minutes, check; if rice is too saucy, remove the lid to cook off the excess sauce. If too dry, add 1 to 2 cups of water and stir.