Senegalese Jollof Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Prepare

Senegalese jollof rice, also known as thieboudienne, is a delicious and flavorful dish that originates from West Africa. It is a staple in Senegalese cuisine and is made with a variety of ingredients, including fish, vegetables, and spices. If you’re looking to try something new in your kitchen, here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Senegalese jollof rice.

Ingredients:

2 cups of long-grain rice
1 large onion
3 cloves of garlic
1 can of tomato paste
1 cup of vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of thyme
1 tablespoon of parsley
1 tablespoon of black pepper
1 tablespoon of salt
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
4 cups of water
1 medium-sized eggplant
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1 small head of cabbage
1 pound of fish (tilapia or red snapper)
2 cups of okra
2 scotch bonnet peppers
2 tablespoons of bouillon powder
1 tablespoon of smoked paprika

Instructions:

• Rinse the rice several times in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch from the rice.
• Cut the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves.
• In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they become translucent.
• Add the tomato paste and stir until it is well combined with the onion and garlic mixture.
• Add the thyme, parsley, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to the pot and stir well.
• Add the water to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
• While the sauce is boiling, cut the eggplant, bell peppers, and cabbage into small pieces.
• Cut the fish into large chunks and season with salt and black pepper.
• Once the sauce is boiling, add the eggplant, bell peppers, and cabbage to the pot.
• Add the fish to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
• Cut the okra into small pieces and add it to the pot. Be sure to stir the pot gently so that the fish does not break apart.
• Add the scotch bonnet peppers to the pot and stir gently.
• Add the bouillon powder and smoked paprika to the pot and stir well.
• Add the rice to the pot and stir well to ensure that it is well coated with the sauce.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is fully cooked.
• Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Senegalese jollof rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a little bit of patience and the right ingredients, you can prepare this delicious meal in your own kitchen. Enjoy!