Jollof Rice with Plantain

Ingredients

• 2 cups Long Grain Rice
• 6 oz Tomato Paste
• 2 medium Bell Peppers (red, yellow)
• 1 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 inch Ginger
• 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 4 cups Vegetable Broth
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Curry Powder
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 ripe Plantains
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil

Instructions

1. 1In a blender, combine the 2 medium Bell Peppers (red, yellow), 1 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper, 1 medium Onion, 3 cloves Garlic, and 1 inch Ginger. Blend until you have a smooth puree.
2. 2Heat 3 tablespoons of Coconut Oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the 6 ounces of Tomato Paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes until it darkens slightly.
3. 3Pour the blended puree into the pot with the tomato paste. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and you see oil separating from the sauce.
4. 4Add the 4 cups of Vegetable Broth, 1 teaspoon of Dried Thyme, 1 teaspoon of Curry Powder, 2 Bay Leaves, 1 teaspoon of Salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of Black Pepper to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. 5Add the 2 cups of Long Grain Rice to the boiling liquid. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low (200°F / 95°C), cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
6. 6While the rice is simmering, peel and slice the 2 ripe Plantains into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Heat 2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C). Fry the plantain slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
7. 7Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the 2 Bay Leaves. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
8. 8Serve the Jollof Rice hot, with the golden-brown fried plantains on the side.

Substitutions

Related Guides