Spicy Rema-Inspired Jollof Rice with Smoky Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant West African jollof rice with a fiery kick and smoky tomato base inspired by energetic music vibes, perfect for a flavorful party dish. This african-inspired rice & grains ready in about 50 minutes blends long grain parboiled rice, tomato paste, large red bell pepper, blended into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 320 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; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp minced ginger; sauté for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 cup blended fresh tomatoes, 1 large blended red bell pepper, and 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper; cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and darkens.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, enjoying the smoky spicy flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Rema-Inspired Jollof Rice with Smoky Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Rema-Inspired Jollof Rice with Smoky Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Rema-Inspired Jollof Rice with Smoky Tomato Sauce?

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 Spicy Rema-Inspired Jollof Rice with Smoky Tomato Sauce 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 Spicy Rema-Inspired Jollof Rice with Smoky Tomato Sauce?

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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