Jollof Rice with Plantains

Ingredients

• 2 cups Long Grain Rice
• 28 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes
• 2 medium Red Bell Pepper
• 1 large Onion
• 1/2 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 inch Ginger
• 4 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 3 cups Chicken Broth
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Curry Powder
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 2 ripe Plantains
• 1 tsp Salt

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the 2 cups of Long Grain Rice under cold running water until the water runs clear, then set it aside.
2. 2Combine the 28 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes, 2 medium Red Bell Peppers, 1 large Onion, 1/2 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper, 3 cloves Garlic, and 1 inch Ginger in a blender. Blend until you have a smooth puree.
3. 3Heat the 4 tbsp of Vegetable Oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the blended tomato puree and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly. You will notice it darkens in color and the oil may start to separate.
4. 4Pour in the 3 cups of Chicken Broth and stir in the 1 tsp of Dried Thyme, 1 tsp of Curry Powder, and 2 Bay Leaves. Add the 1 tsp of Salt and stir everything together.
5. 5Add the rinsed 2 cups of Long Grain Rice to the pot and stir well to coat the rice with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it cook for 25-30 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 cooking, peel the 2 ripe Plantains and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
7. 7Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Carefully add the sliced plantains in a single layer and fry for 3-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and slightly softened. Remove the fried plantains from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. 8Remove the bay leaves from the cooked jollof rice. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve the Jollof Rice immediately with the fried plantains on the side.

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