Spiced Nigerian Jollof-Inspired Tomato Rice

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

A vibrant, spicy one-pot rice dish inspired by Nigerian flavors, cooked with tomatoes, bell peppers, and a blend of warming spices. This african-inspired rice & grains ready in about 45 minutes pairs long grain parboiled rice, tomato paste, medium, chopped fresh plum tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 30 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups long grain parboiled rice under cold water until water runs clear, then set aside to drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 4 chopped fresh plum tomatoes, and 1 large chopped red bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 whole pierced scotch bonnet pepper, and 2 bay leaves, stirring to combine for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 cups chicken stock, season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then bring to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained rice to the pot, stir once gently, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Step 7: Remove the scotch bonnet pepper and bay leaves before fluffing the rice with a fork and serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Nigerian Jollof-Inspired Tomato Rice take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Tomato Rice?

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 Tomato Rice?

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 Tomato Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Spiced Nigerian Jollof-Inspired Tomato Rice?

African rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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