Jollof Rice

by

Jollof Rice is a beloved West African one-pot dish made with long-grain rice simmered in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce. It’s hearty, naturally gluten-free, and can be enjoyed as a vegan meal or bulked up with meat like steak or chicken. This recipe brings the flavors of Sierra Leone to your kitchen using simple pantry staples and bold seasonings like thyme, ginger, and curry.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into small chunks

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed

  • 6 ounces tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1½ teaspoons dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger

  • ½ teaspoon curry powder (optional)

  • 3 roma tomatoes, diced

  • 1 red or green bell pepper, diced (optional)

  • 2–3 bay leaves (optional)

  • 3 cups water

Directions

  1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the steak with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.

  2. In the same pot, add the onions and remaining olive oil. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.

  3. Stir in the rice, tomato paste, remaining salt and pepper, thyme, ginger, crushed red pepper, and curry powder. Mix until the rice is well-coated and reddish in color.

  4. Add diced tomatoes, bell pepper, bay leaves, and the cooked steak back into the pot. Pour in the water.

  5. Stir everything, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes, until the rice is cooked.

  6. Remove from heat and let it steam for another 5–10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Nutrients (Per serving)

  • Calories: 310 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 45 g

  • Protein: 17 g

  • Fat: 7 g

  • Saturated Fat: 2 g

  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

  • Sodium: 643 mg

  • Potassium: 564 mg

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Sugar: 4 g

  • Vitamin A: 620 IU

  • Vitamin C: 21 mg

  • Calcium: 48 mg

  • Iron: 2 mg

The Heart and History of Jollof Rice

The origins of Jollof Rice trace back to the Senegambian region of West Africa, specifically the Wolof people of what is now Senegal and The Gambia. The name “Jollof” is derived from the Wolof Empire, and the dish was traditionally made with millet. Over time, the recipe evolved, incorporating rice, tomatoes, and spices, becoming a staple across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and other West African countries.

Each country boasts its own unique twist on Jollof Rice, with debates—particularly between Nigeria and Ghana—on whose version reigns supreme. Despite regional differences, the essence remains the same: a tomato-rich, spice-infused rice dish that warms the soul and excites the palate. In Sierra Leone, where this particular recipe takes its inspiration, Jollof is often made with tender meat, a medley of bell peppers, and a balance of warming spices.

Why Jollof Rice Is Universally Loved

Jollof Rice has gained worldwide recognition not just for its incredible taste, but also for its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a one-pot meal that saves time, reduces cleanup, and delivers big flavor with every bite. The use of common pantry ingredients like tomato paste, onions, spices, and rice makes it easy to recreate at home, even if you’ve never experienced West African cuisine before.

What makes it truly special is the balance between spice, sweetness, and savory richness. Ingredients like crushed red pepper add gentle heat, while thyme and curry powder introduce complexity. Tomato paste and diced fresh tomatoes bring depth and sweetness, and the final touch of bay leaves adds an aromatic quality that lingers on the tongue.

Adding chunks of sirloin steak not only makes the dish more filling but also infuses the rice with an added layer of meaty richness. However, Jollof Rice can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting the meat and enhancing the vegetables. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of diets and preferences.

Nutrition Meets Flavor

Beyond its taste and cultural significance, Jollof Rice is a nourishing meal that balances carbs, protein, and fiber. Each serving provides a substantial amount of complex carbohydrates from the long-grain rice, helping to sustain energy throughout the day. With 17 grams of protein per serving—thanks to the sirloin steak—it’s also a great option for those seeking muscle recovery or a hearty meal post-workout.

The inclusion of fresh vegetables like tomatoes and optional bell peppers adds important vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamin C from bell peppers boosts immunity, while tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant known for promoting heart health. The dish is naturally gluten-free and contains no dairy, making it suitable for those with specific dietary restrictions.

Perfect for Gatherings and Meal Prep

Jollof Rice is a dish meant for sharing. It’s commonly served at weddings, birthdays, church events, and community gatherings. It’s the kind of food that invites people to come together, talk, laugh, and enjoy. Because it can easily be doubled or tripled in quantity, it’s ideal for large families or batch cooking.

The one-pot cooking method ensures that each grain of rice absorbs the spiced tomato broth, resulting in a consistent, richly flavored dish from top to bottom. Once made, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for future meals, making it perfect for meal prep.

It’s also a great canvas for creativity. Serve it with fried plantains, grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, or a dollop of spicy pepper sauce. You can even make it a centerpiece at a themed dinner party celebrating the flavors of Africa.

Tips for Getting It Just Right

The secret to perfect Jollof Rice lies in controlling the heat and moisture. After the rice and sauce come to a boil, reducing the heat to low and covering the pot with a tight-fitting lid is crucial. This allows the rice to steam gently and absorb the flavors without burning or sticking. Letting it sit off the heat for a few minutes before fluffing helps complete the cooking process and keeps the rice light and tender.

Using high-quality long-grain rice is important, as it holds its shape and texture well during cooking. Rinsing the rice beforehand removes excess starch, preventing clumping. Additionally, browning the meat and sautéing the onions before adding the rice and liquid adds layers of flavor that build as the dish simmers.

Adjust the seasoning to your liking—add more crushed red pepper if you enjoy extra heat, or more curry powder for a slightly earthy kick. Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro right before serving adds brightness and visual appeal.

Why You Should Try This Sierra Leonean-Inspired Recipe

This particular version of Jollof Rice, influenced by the culinary traditions of Sierra Leone, brings a rustic and comforting quality to the table. The use of ginger and thyme gives the dish a distinctive warmth, while the curry powder introduces subtle South Asian notes that reflect the global influences on West African cuisine. The result is a deeply flavorful, balanced meal that tastes both familiar and excitingly different.

The steak adds a savory richness that complements the spices, but the dish can be equally satisfying without meat. It’s this adaptability, along with its bold flavor, that has made Jollof Rice a favorite across continents.

Whether you’re new to West African cooking or a longtime fan, this Jollof Rice recipe is a must-try. It offers a perfect introduction to the region’s cuisine and makes an excellent addition to your regular meal rotation.

Conclusion

Jollof Rice is a dish that carries stories, traditions, and the soul of West Africa in every spoonful. From its humble roots in the Wolof Empire to its modern-day variations across the continent, it remains a source of pride and joy for many. This Sierra Leonean-inspired version honors that legacy while offering a simple, accessible recipe for home cooks everywhere.

Its one-pot ease, rich tomato flavor, and aromatic spices make it a standout dish for everyday meals and special occasions alike. Whether you enjoy it on its own, paired with meat, or surrounded by sides like fried plantains or steamed greens, Jollof Rice is bound to become a beloved part of your kitchen repertoire. Prepare it once, and you’ll understand why it’s not just food—it’s an experience.

Leave a Comment