How to Make Jollof Rice With Chicken and Plantain

Jollof Rice is one of the staple meals eaten in most Nigerian households. Put simply, it is rice stewed in tomato sauce. The method of preparation differs, and even I personally have about two ways I prepare Jollof Rice. In one method, I mix the tomato stew with stock and then cook the rice in the mixture. In the second, I cook the rice in plain stock with some chopped tomatoes, and mix when done with pre-fried tomato sauce. Using Chicken for my meat and stock, I'll outline the first method which I think is simpler.

Ingredients
3 cups of long-grain rice
1 pack of cut Chicken drumsticks
3 ladles vegetable oil1 can tomato puree - small size
4 small fresh tomatoes, chopped
2 medium size onion, chopped
2 Teaspoon of dry pepper
2 Knorr Chicken cubes
2 fingers of very ripe plantains
Salt and Spices to Taste


Directions

A - CHICKEN, STOCK AND PLANTAIN

1. Wash the chicken, and put on the stove with just one cup of water.
2. Add salt, two cubes of knorr and spices to taste.
3. Set the heat to medium and cook for 20 mins. The Chicken is not fully done but that is OK.
4. Remove the meat from stock and set the liquid aside, that is your stock.
5. Put the chicken on a baking tray. Always remember to apply cooking spray to your oven-proof dishes.
6. Slice the plantain and line on another baking tray.
7. Pop both in the oven and set to grill/roast at low for 10mins.
8. Turn over once and remove from the oven when they are done.

B - PARBOILING RICE

1. Set 5 cups of water to boil, or enough to cover your rice twice.
2. When it boils, pour the rice in and allow to boil again.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 mins.
4. Remove from heat and pour the rice into a colander with small sized holes.
5. Turn the rice into a container filled with cold water, and sieve again.
6. Repeat this, rubbing the rice lightly between your fingers until it feels starch-free.

C. TOMATO SAUCE AND MAKING THE JOLLOF

1. Heat your vegetable oil in the pot you'll use for cooking the Jollof Rice. Add the chopped onions, tomatoes, pepper and puree, and stir all together.
2. Add the 2 knorr chicken cubes, salt and spices to taste. Stir for five minutes.
3. Add the chicken stock from A and bring to a quick boil.
4. Add your parboiled rice and reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Check the rice every 5 - 10 mins to be sure the water is enough to that the rice is not too hard. If you need to, add water only in very small quantities.
6. When the rice is cooked - some know by sticking in a knife or listening to the bottom of the pot. If the knife is dry, or you can hear some pops from the pot, the rice is done - turn off the heat.

Your Jollof Rice is ready. Serve with the grilled chicken and plantain and a small side of vegetables. I used cucumber in the pictures above. Enjoy!