Jollof Rice Nigeria's National Dish - Africa.com (2024)

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Jollof Rice Nigeria's National Dish - Africa.com? ›

Jollof rice is Nigeria's national dish that is believed to be the origin of the popular Cajun dish known as jambalaya. The other name for the dish is benachin, meaning one pot in the native language of the Wolof people who created it.

Jollof rice is Nigeria's national dish. In order to prepare it, rice is cooked in a rich tomato sauce so that it soaks in all the flavors. The most common ingredients found in jollof rice include rice, tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, salt, and pepper.

Jollof Rice Secret Ingredients

1000ml of Ground Fresh red tomatoes. fresh red pepper to taste. salt to taste.

Jollof rice traditionally consists of rice, cooking oil, tomatoes, onion, chilies, and often some combination of other ingredients such as tomato paste, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, thyme, curry powder, grains of selim, and bouillon cubes or stock; recipes vary from country to country and cook to cook.

Although Senegal hangs on to the award of being Jollof's origin country, the dish has sentimental attachments in various countries. In Nigeria and Ghana, it is eaten at all celebratory events. Weddings, birthdays, naming ceremonies and Funerals are hot spots for Jollof rice.

Jollof Rice is a healthy meal, which gives energy to the body because it contains carbohydrates. Jollof Rice contains vitamins which helps build the immune system. Jollof Rice contains protein which is vital for perfect working of the body.

Jollof rice is a popular dish in West Africa. The name "jollof" originates from a Senegambian kingdom called the Jolof Empire. Many countries of the sub-continent have their own methods of preparation, but the ongoing feud between Nigeria and Ghana regarding whose jollof rice is better may never be resolved.

As a Nigerian, I can say that aside from the taste and flavour, a beautiful thing about the Nigerian Jollof rice dish is how it varies. From the classic Jollof to party style Jollof and a recent favourite that is basmati Jollof and more. This recipe is the more common and classic recipe, used by most home cooks.

Apart from being delicious, Jollof rice also makes a very nutritious meal, since it's a great source of carbohydrates and proteins. Jollof rice is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium.

What color is jollof rice? ›

Tomatoes give jollof rice its unique reddish colour. Fresh tomatoes are best used to prepare large quantities of jollof rice as they are cheaper than processed purees. Along with tomatoes, scotch bonnet also contributes to the colour of the rice.

Even though jollof rice contains magnesium, zinc and other nutrients that keep it healthy, there are some detrimental effects of eating too much jollof. One of the ways Nigerians get into a pitfall is by eating the same high calorie rice every day.

Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, and The Gambia all claim to have the best jollof rice recipes. So do Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Mali. In 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognised Senegal as the origin of this culinary delight.

Jollof rice is Nigeria's national dish that is believed to be the origin of the popular Cajun dish known as jambalaya. The other name for the dish is benachin, meaning one pot in the native language of the Wolof people who created it.

Edikang Ikong is Nigeria's signature dish. It is prepared from fluted pumpkin and water leaves. The leaves are boiled and mixed with salt and palm oil. It is basically a vegetable dish, but meat lovers can add meat and fish to improve the flavor.

Jollof rice is a delicacy that began in West Africa, but because of frequent cultural exchange amongst various regions, the recipe continues to spread far and wide. It is considered a celebratory dish and popular in West African nations like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal.