Bold, deeply red, West African rice with spices and tomatoes.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

I still remember the first time I had jollof rice.

I was meeting my ex-boyfriend’s family for the first time during Thanksgiving.

Jollof Rice in a Dutch Oven, and Next to It, a Plate With a Serving of Rice, a Small Saucer, and Glasses of Water

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

I was expecting to see the usual stuffing and gravy.

Instead, I saw a big pot of red rice on the table.

It came as a surprise (what is that?!

Bowl of Jollof Rice

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

I just smiled and shook my head yes.

The rice was a vibrant orange-red, and the aroma was incredibly inviting.

I was met with a burst of flavors when I took my first spoonful.

Bowl of Jollof Rice Next to a Small Plate With Scotch Bonnet Peppers, a Plate With a Serving of Rice, and Glasses of Water

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

It was bold and fragrant, with a slight sweetness.

It had crunchy onions and large pieces of lamb speckled throughout.

The jollof was new to me, but it felt familiar, like something I’d grown up eating.

Onions, Peppers, Garlic, and Ginger in a Blender for West African Jollof Rice Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

It reminded me of home.

What Is Jollof Rice?

Jollof rice is a beloved West African dish with many regional variations.

Pureed Ingredients in a Blender for Jollof Rice Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Jollof rice can be made for any occasion from birthdays and holiday celebrations to a casual weeknight dinner.

Jollof rice didn’t just evolve throughout Africa but also in the Americas.

I am comforted by these connective tissues.

Sliced Onions Frying in Thin Layer of Oil in a Dutch Oven for Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Jollof rice is believed to have originated from the Wolof people in Senegal and Gambia.

Nigerian jollof is prepared with long-grain parboiled rice.

It has less tomatoes and is heavy on hot peppers.

Tomato Paste Cooked in the Dutch Oven for Jollof Rice Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

The Ghanaian version calls for aromatic basmati or jasmine rice to perfume the dish and enhance the tomato flavor.

I’ve learned that achieving both is key to creating the perfect pot of jollof.

BetapacorBlue Mountain Countrycurry powder are two brands that I would recommend.

Pureed Pepper Stew Based Added to Dutch Oven for West African Rice Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

You will use it to top the jollof rice at the end.

Add the tomato paste and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

The oil should turn red and the paste should look grainy.

Stew Base Reduced to a Paste-Like Consistency in the Dutch Oven

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Reduce the heat if the paste starts sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.

The mixture will splatter quite a bit!

Adjust the heat as needed if you notice it burning or if its not simmering.

Rice and Spices Added to Stew Base in the Dutch Oven for Jollof Rice Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Then add the chicken stock, and bring it to a simmer.

Turn the heat off and tightly cover the pot with foil and a lid.

Spices and Rice Stirred into Jollof Rice Ingredients in Dutch Oven

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake, undisturbed, for about 40 minutes.

If using the butter and peas (I highly recommend it!

), remove the pot from the oven and dollop the pats of butter on top.

Dutch Oven Wrapped in Aluminum Foil and Topped With the Lid

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Sprinkle the peas and the reserved fried onions on top too.

Cover the pot again with the foil and lid, and bake for 5 minutes.

Gently stir the rice to incorporate the butter, peas, and onions.

Fried Onions, Butter, and Frozen Peas Added to Pot of Jollof Rice

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Discard the bay leaves and transfer the rice to a platter, if youd like.

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Spatula Stirring Ingredients Together in Dutch Oven

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Jollof Rice in a Dutch Oven With a Serving on a Plate in the Background

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe