I was on vacation a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Holidays help to refuel, clear the head a bit to release some creative juices. Cooking Jollof rice in the oven is one great way of infusing every rice grain with the goodness of the tomato and pepper sauce. Oven baked Jollof rice is a rice twist to the regular method. I have paired today’s dish with a popular Senegalese dish.
Nigeria meets Senegal in Oven Baked Jollof Rice and Chicken Yassa
Yields1 ServingPrep Time20 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time50 mins
Main
2cupsof Rice
2small tins Tomatoe paste
4cooking spoons Tomatoe/Pepper/Onion blend
23cupsWater or Meat stock quantity will depend on brand of rice
1medium sized Onion chopped
Seasonings
½tsp Curry powder
¼tspBlack pepper
Thyme Seasoning to taste
garlic Seasoning to taste
3cooking spoons vegetable oil
11 roll Foil Paper
1
Preheat the oven to gas mark 375 degrees
2
Chop and fry the onion for 2 minutes
3
Pour in the tomato puree and seasoning, salt, garlic and thyme and fry till the oil turns red and the sourness of the tomato disappears.
4
Add the tomato/pepper/onion blend and continue to fry for another 5 minutes
5
Next add the rice and fry for about 10 mins, stirring to prevent the rice burning. Frying helps the red colour to be absorbed by the rice.
6
Add the meat stock or water, taste to correct seasoning, stir
7
Pour the rice into a non-stick baking tray, cover with aluminium foil and pop in the oven and bake till the water dries up and the rice is soft. You can start with 2 cups of water or meat stock. Check softness of rice as cooking progresses and add more water as needed. It takes about 20-30 mins to cook.
23cupsWater or Meat stock quantity will depend on brand of rice
1medium sized Onion chopped
Seasonings
½tsp Curry powder
¼tspBlack pepper
Thyme Seasoning to taste
garlic Seasoning to taste
3cooking spoons vegetable oil
11 roll Foil Paper
Directions
1
Preheat the oven to gas mark 375 degrees
2
Chop and fry the onion for 2 minutes
3
Pour in the tomato puree and seasoning, salt, garlic and thyme and fry till the oil turns red and the sourness of the tomato disappears.
4
Add the tomato/pepper/onion blend and continue to fry for another 5 minutes
5
Next add the rice and fry for about 10 mins, stirring to prevent the rice burning. Frying helps the red colour to be absorbed by the rice.
6
Add the meat stock or water, taste to correct seasoning, stir
7
Pour the rice into a non-stick baking tray, cover with aluminium foil and pop in the oven and bake till the water dries up and the rice is soft. You can start with 2 cups of water or meat stock. Check softness of rice as cooking progresses and add more water as needed. It takes about 20-30 mins to cook.
Authorg2n
