Jollof rice is a beloved West African dish with deep cultural significance and a rich history. The ancient Wolof Empire, which included portions of present-day Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania is often mentioned as the origin of it. The dish likely spread across West Africa through trade routes, gradually evolving with local ingredients and flavors. While several West African countries have their own versions of Jollof rice, Ghanaian Jollof stands out for its distinct use of aromatic spices, flavorful tomatoes, and well-seasoned meats and lots of vegetables. Today, Ghanaian Jollof rice is more than just a meal. It is a symbol of pride, heritage and community gatherings across Ghana and beyond.
Ingredients
3 cups of all-purpose stew base
3 cups of rice
1 cup of meat broth
5 cups of water
Corned beef
Oil
2 chopped onions
2 chopped tomatoes
2 chopped bell peppers
½ can of sweet pea and corn (if preferred)
1 diced carrot
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp powdered pepper
2 bouillon cubes
Bay leaves
Salt to taste
Directions
Start by frying your chopped tomatoes and bay leaves in oil with some of the chopped onions for 4-7 minutes.
Pour in the all purpose stew base and stir on low heat for 5 minutes.
Add your meat broth and cover it to boil on medium heat for 3-6 minutes.
Add the seasonings and salt to taste, after which you taste the Jollof stew base to see if the taste is right.
After confirming the stew base is at your preferred taste, pour in your rice and stir continuously for 10 minutes.
Cover the saucepan for 4-5 minutes to allow the rice absorb the stew base on medium heat.
After the rice has absorbed the stew base, pour in the 5 cups of water and stir.
Cover the saucepan tightly preferably with a kitchen towel and leave to cook on high heat for 15-20 minutes.
After the Jollof parboils and the water is completely absorbed, pour in the rest of the onions and the other vegetables and stir evenly.
Cover the saucepan tightly again and allow the Jollof cook properly till it softens and stir in the corned beef.
Your authentic Ghanaian Jollof rice is now ready to serve along with your favorite protein.
Will you be trying the Ghanaian jollof rice?
Yes
No i prefer other variations of jollof
References
Asante-Donyinah, D., Dzah, C.S. and Adzinyo, O.A., 2024. Traditional and ethnic foods of the coastal belt of Ghana. In Nutritional and Health Aspects of Food in Western Africa (pp. 67-73). Academic Press.
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