Spiced Senegalese Jollof Rice with Tomatoes and Bell Peppers

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

A vibrant one-pot dish where long-grain rice is cooked with spicy tomato sauce, bell peppers, and a blend of West African seasonings for a flavorful meal. This african ready in about 45 minutes pairs long-grain rice, crushed tomatoes, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 30 min Serves 6 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and 400g crushed tomatoes to the pot, stirring and cooking for 5 minutes to concentrate flavors.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 large diced red bell pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups rinsed long-grain rice and stir to coat the grains with the tomato mixture.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 cups broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with fork and garnish with 2 chopped scallions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Senegalese Jollof Rice with Tomatoes and Bell Peppers 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 Senegalese Jollof Rice with Tomatoes and Bell 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 rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Senegalese Jollof Rice with Tomatoes and Bell 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 Senegalese Jollof Rice with Tomatoes and Bell 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.

What goes well with Spiced Senegalese Jollof Rice with Tomatoes and Bell Peppers?

African african 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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