The Ultimate Jollof Rice Recipe: A Taste of West Africa

Ingredients

• 2 cups (500g) easy cook basmati rice (soaked for 10 minutes and rinsed)
• 4 large plum tomatoes or 1 can of plum tomatoes
• 1 large sweet red pepper (stalk & seeds removed)
• 1 scotch bonnet (yellow, stalk & seeds removed, optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons freshly milled or ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground pimentos
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger or a small piece of fresh ginger (pounded)
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 cups high-quality chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
• 1 medium-sized onion
• 3 serving spoons of butter (not margarine)
• 1 crayfish flavor seasoning cube or 1 tablespoon ground crayfish (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a traditional smoky flavor)
• 1 serving spoon vegetable oil
• Freshly chopped chives (to garnish)
• Salt to taste
• Some hot water