Did you know that there is a special day dedicated to celebrating jollof rice?
August 22 every year is set aside for the orange-coloured African dish, Jollof Rice Day since it became a globally recognized day in 2015.
Jollof rice is a West African dish that is loved by people all over the world. Its origin can be traced back to the 14th Century in the Senegambia region where rice cultivation was a thing. Jollof itself evolved from a traditional meal called Thieboudienne, a combo of rice, fish, shellfish, and veggies.
This African dish is a widely enjoyed meal by people all over the world and the question of which country makes the best Jollof rice is a debate that is as old as old itself.
The friendly “Jollof Wars” banter between Nigeria and other West African countries, like Ghana and Senegal, adds a layer of fun to the celebration. Each country claims its version is the best, sparking good-natured debates that only make the dish a force to reckon with.
When it comes to preparation, many West African nations have their peculiarities, but the Nigerian version is arguably the most popular. Could this be as a result of the unique smokiness that comes from cooking the rice over open flames or the signature ‘Party Jollof’ that is the most sought-after meal in every Nigerian “owambes.”
What is a Nigerian wedding, birthday, and everything in between without the Nigerian Jollof?
Sharing a plate of Jollof rice is a cherished tradition in Nigerian households. It’s a dish that brings families and friends closer, fostering connections and memorable moments.
Matter of fact, Nigerian gatherings are incomplete without a mound of Jollof rice at the center with toppings such as chicken, turkey, fish, plantain, and other assorted of choice. Safe to say, The Nigerian Jollof is not just a dish; it’s an experience.
Read Also: Wolof Tribe: An Exploration Of Their Culture And Tradition
Looking to share in the Nigerian experience? Here’s a recipe for Nigerian Jollof Rice you can try at home.
Ingredients:
2 cups of rice
3 tomatoes, diced
1 onion, diced
2 peppers, diced
1 teaspoon of thyme
1 teaspoon of curry powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
1 pound of meat or fish, diced
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and peppers and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy about 10 minutes.
5. Add the thyme, curry powder, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Add the meat or fish and cook until cooked through about 10 minutes.
7. Add the rice and stir to coat.
8. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
10. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
There you have it!
Have you tasted the Nigerian Jollof before or any other variants of the Jollof rice? Share your experience in the comments below.
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