Ghanaian Jollof Recipe: A Gift from Alorkpem:

Jollof Rice for Christmas

It is a daunting task to assess what African cuisine is because it reflects the diversity of cultures that exist on the continent.?African cuisines reflect uniquely local, authentic, and traditional flavors. One of these cousins in Africa is Jollof Rice.

Jollof Rice?is a tomato and rice-based dish that is widely loved and eaten across West Africa. Typically, the rice is cooked in a flavorful tomato liquid. There are varying methods of making Jollof Rice across the countries where it is eaten.?It is a?dish full of interesting flavors depending on where it is prepared and the type of ingredients used.

Jollof rice is one of the most popular recipes associated with Christmas celebrations in Ghana. The Ghanaian Jollof has a reputation not only for its seductive aroma, deep-red color, and spicy flavor but also for a diversified array of recipes. Arguably, it has the juiciest, richest, and spiciest flavor. Popular as a festive dish, it is commonly served at parties, weddings, and other corporate events.?

Origin and History

It is widely believed that Jollof originated from Senegal in West Africa and is popularly known as "ceebu jen" and thieboudienne, which is a combination of fish, rice, tomatoes, and onions. This is because some people believe that it came from the Senegalese Wolof tribe, while some have made its connection between jambalaya and jollof rice. However, the direct connection remains contested even when there are similar recipes when it comes down to appearance.?How this recipe became popular in entire West Africa especially Ghana and Nigeria remain a mystery.

A Gift from Alorkpem: Ghanaian Jollof Recipe

The Ghanaian Jollof has its own unique ingredients and taste. It is perhaps one recipe you would like to try your hands on for the family during this festive season. Do you want to try it? No worries at all. Let’s go!

Ingredients

• 2?large yellow onions, roughly chopped
• ? cup?vegetable oil (80?mL), plus 2 tablespoons, divided
• 14 oz?diced tomato (395?g), 2 cans
• 6 oz?tomato paste (170?g), 1 can
• 1?habanero pepper
• 2 teaspoons?curry powder
• 1 teaspoon?garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon?ground ginger
• ? teaspoon?mixed dried herbs
• 3?chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
• 2 ? cups?long grain rice(500?g), rinsed
• 1 cup?frozen mixed vegetable (150?g)
• 1 ? cups?water (360?mL)

Step-by-step Guide for Preparing Jollof Rice the Ghanaian way

1.????Add onions and 2 tablespoons of oil to a blender and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl.

2.????Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and habanero pepper to the blender, and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a separate medium bowl.

3.????Heat the remaining ? cup (80 ml) of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

4.????Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion puree and cook until the water has cooked out and the puree is starting to brown about 10 minutes.

5.????Stir in the tomato puree and add the curry powder, garlic powder, ginger, dried herbs, and crushed bouillon cubes. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the stew has reduced by half and is deep red in color.

6.????Add the rice, mixed vegetables, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with foil and a lid. Simmer for another 30 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

7.????Enjoy!

The Jollof can be garnished with cucumber, fried chicken, vegetables, and so on. Go ahead and try it this festive season. You can share your experience with us after embarking on this adventure with the family.

From us at Easy Water for Everyone, we wish all our partners and sponsors, a Happy Yuletide. We continue to count on our partnership to pursue our vision of the provision of pure clean water to people living in rural communities without electricity.