Liberian Jollof Rice Special
A flavorful and vibrant one-pot rice dish, a staple in Liberian cuisine, often prepared for celebrations and gatherings. This special version incorporates a rich tomato base with aromatic spices and tender chicken.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Long-grain rice
- 1.5 lbs Chicken pieces(thighs or drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on)
- 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 6 oz Tomato paste
- 14.5 oz can Diced tomatoes
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1-2 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(or to taste, for heat)
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (optional, for garnish/flavor))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
💡 Tip: This step helps to deepen the flavor of the tomato paste. - 5
Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, curry powder, and whole scotch bonnet pepper(s). Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers based on your spice preference. - 6
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 7
Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more broth or water.
💡 Tip: Rinsing rice removes excess starch, preventing mushiness. - 8
Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid and foil, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to trap steam. - 9
Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Remove the whole scotch bonnet pepper(s) if desired. Stir in chopped bell pepper if using. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before browning.
- ✓If you prefer a less spicy dish, you can prick the scotch bonnet pepper instead of leaving it whole, or omit it entirely.
- ✓Ensure the rice is evenly submerged in liquid for consistent cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn for a more complete meal.
- Use smoked turkey or fish for a different protein flavor.
- For a smoky flavor, you can grill or smoke the chicken before adding it to the stew.