1.5medium red bell peppersred is best, though other kinds can be added
6sweet/crunchy mini peppers
1sweet onion
2tomatoes
6-8medium cloves of garlicoptional
Salt and pepperto taste
Vegetable oilfor roasting
A little chicken brothfor blending
For the Jollof Rice
6tablespoonsolive oil
1heaping scoop tomato paste1/4cup?
2chicken bouillon cubes
1teaspoonrosemary
1teaspoonpaprika
1teaspooncurry powder
1teaspoonthyme
Salt and pepperto taste
2cupschicken broth
2cupswater
2cupsrice
Instructions
Roast the Vegetables for the Pepper Paste:
Preheat your oven to broil.
Cube the red bell peppers, mini peppers, sweet onion, tomatoes, and garlic (if using).
Spread the cubed vegetables evenly on a baking pan. Drizzle with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Broil in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the peppers are visibly charred, to develop a charred flavor. (Note: If you have a grill, you could grill the vegetables instead for this step.)
Make the Pepper Paste:
Transfer the roasted vegetables from the pan into a blender.
Add a little chicken broth to help with blending.
Blend until smooth to create a "pepper paste."
Cook the Pepper Paste:
Place the pepper paste in a pan on the stove over high heat.
Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid evaporates. Do not stir during this step.
Fry the Tomato Paste:
Heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a wok over medium heat.
Add 1 heaping scoop of tomato paste to the wok.
Fry the tomato paste for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. It will get bubbly and turn a brownish/burgundy color. Look for clumps to form (a good sign it’s frying well), then break them up. Be careful not to burn it.
Combine and Season:
Add the cooked pepper paste from the pan to the wok with the fried tomato paste.
Season with 2 chicken bouillon cubes, 1 teaspoon rosemary, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t stick.
Cook the Rice:
Pour 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water into the wok with the paste and spices.
Add 2 cups of rice and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
Cover the wok with a lid and cook for about 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat. Cover the wok with foil, then place the lid back on over the foil. Let it steam for about 5 minutes.
Serve:
Fluff the rice and serve hot.
Enjoy with chicken and Caesar salad for a complete meal.