Spiced Nigerian Jollof-Inspired Rice with Tomatoes and Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant West African rice dish simmered with tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices for a flavorful vegetarian main or side. This african-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs long grain parboiled rice, tomato paste, medium red bell pepper, blended for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups long grain parboiled rice under cold water until water runs clear; set aside to drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sautéing for 4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 1/2 cups blended fresh tomatoes, and 1 blended medium red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato mixture thickens and darkens.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp curry powder, 1 vegetable bouillon cube, 1 bay leaf, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Add the drained rice and salt to taste, stir once, cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Step 6: After 20 minutes, remove from heat, fluff rice gently with a fork, discard bay leaf, and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Nigerian Jollof-Inspired Rice with Tomatoes and Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Nigerian Jollof-Inspired Rice with Tomatoes and Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain parboiled rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Nigerian Jollof-Inspired Rice with Tomatoes and Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Nigerian Jollof-Inspired Rice with Tomatoes and Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spiced Nigerian Jollof-Inspired Rice with Tomatoes and Peppers vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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