NIGERIAN JOLLOF RICE

HOW TO COOK NIGERIAN JOLLOF RICE

INGREDIENTS

6 cloves of garlic

1 tbsp of coarsely grated ginger

1 tin of plum tomatoes

3 to 6 scotch bonnets (please note: this varies on how spicy you like your food. I like my food very spicy, so I will add 6 Scotch bonnets)

3 red bell peppers

2 medium sized onions

1 small onion diced

De Rica Tomato Puree (1 tbsp per cup of rice)

Knorr chicken stock cubes (2 1/2 cubes for every cup of rice)

3 bay leaves

Rapeseed oil (or any other oil you prefer)

Salt (this is optional - I don't cook with salt at all)

Chicken seasoning

Dried thyme or dried mixed herbs

Equipment

Cooking pot (preferably non-stick)

Empty can of plum tomatoes to measure your rice and water

1 standard serving spoonKitchen foil

An empty freezable container, for any leftover ingredientsAn empty bowl to wash your Rice

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine your garlic, ginger, plum tomatoes, scotch bonnets, red cap peppers and onions. Set aside the mixture.

2. Heat 1/2 a serving spoon of rapeseed oil in a large pot over medium heat.

3. Add half of the small diced onion and fry for 1 minute.

4. Add 1 heaped tbsp of De Rica tomato puree and gently fry for 2 minutes on a medium heat.

5. Add one serving spoon of the mixture into the pot and fry on a medium heat for 2 minutes (the remaining mixture can be frozen for another time).

6. Using your tin of plum tomatoes, add 2 full cups of water into the pot.

7. Add the bay leaves, Knorr cubes, and a 1/2 tsp of chicken seasoning.

8. Using the tin of plum tomatoes again, measure and pour out 1 cup of rice into an empty bowl and wash under cold water for 5 minutes, or until the water runs clear.

9. Stir in the rice well, then reduce the heat to a low temperature and cover the pot with the lid.

10. Let this cook until the rice is 'al dente'. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes.

11. After the rice has cooked, remove the lid and cover the pot with kitchen foil followed by the lid - a layer of kitchen foil then the lid- and leave this to simmer for 2-5 minutes.

12. After 5 minutes stir the rice together and serve.