Jollof Rice by raquel

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 piece large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 piece Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 2 cups tomato puree
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt
• black pepper
• 2 pieces bay leaves (optional)