Special Diet Information
Coumadin® (Warfarin)
This recipe is safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.
Lactose
This recipe is safe for those who are lactose intolerant.
Sodium
This is NOT a low sodium recipe.
GERD / Acid Reflux
This recipe contains GERD triggers and those with GERD may wish to avoid it.
Gluten Sensitivity
This recipe is safe for those who are sensitive to gluten.
"Most
people write me off when they see me.
They do not know
my story.
They say I am
just an African.
They judge me
before they get to know me.
What they do not
know is
The pride I have
in the blood that runs through my veins;
The pride I have
in my rich culture and the history of my people;
The pride I have
in my strong family ties and the deep connection to my community;
The pride I have
in the African music, African art, and African dance;
The pride I have
in my name and the meaning behind it.
Just as my name
has meaning, I too will live my life with meaning.
So you think I
am nothing?
Don't worry
about what I am now,
For what I will
be, I am gradually becoming.
I will raise my
head high wherever I go
Because of my
African pride,
And
nobody will take that away from me."
-Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All Africans: How Every African Can Live the Life of Their
Dreams
The refrigerator light goes on...
I see this as sort of an African paella. Because it is a rice dish, it is important to be patient and not stir it or the rice will turn mushy. After about 30 minutes, check the firmness of the rice and add more water if needed, 1/4 cup at a time, but still... don't stir the rice.
I like to use smoked paprika in this dish, as it brings a bit of added umami flavor. When using fresh thyme in a dish like this one, it's not necessary to strip the thyme leaves from the stem. Just place the whole stem in the dish and then when the dish is done, take it out and throw it away.
Jollof Rice
Servings: 4 | Serving size: about 3/4 cup, cooked
Cooking Time: 45 Minutes
This recipe can easily be multiplied and makes very good leftovers. Freezes well, too!
| 2 tsp. | olive oil |
| 1 Tbsp. | fresh ginger (minced) |
| 1 large | onion (thinly sliced) |
| 1 medium | red bell pepper (cut into large dice) |
| 1 15-ounce can | no salt added diced tomatoes |
| 1/4 tsp. | salt |
| 1/4 cup | no salt added tomato paste |
| 1 cup | long grain brown rice |
| 1 tsp. | garlic powder |
| 2 tsp. | curry powder |
| 1 tsp. | paprika |
| 1/4 tsp. | cayenne pepper |
| 2 cups | no salt added vegetable stock |
| 1 cup | water |
| 2 tsp. | fresh thyme leaves |
Place the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ginger and saute for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Add the onion and saute for 3-4 minutes, until barely soft.
Add the bell pepper and cook for about 2 minutes, then add the can of diced tomatoes, the salt, tomato paste, brown rice, garlic powder, curry powder, paprika, cayenne, and vegetable stock, stir, then simmer, uncovered, for 30 - 45 minutes until the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.
Resist the temptation to stir the rice.
After about 30 minutes (before the rice is fully cooked and all the liquid is absorbed), add the fresh thyme, but do not stir the rice - just sprinkle the leaves over the top or place the whole stem on top of the rice. When the rice is finished cooking, remove the stem and discard it.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 3/4 cup cooked rice
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
| Calories 256 | Calories from Fat 32 |
| % Daily Value |
| Total Fat 4g | |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat 2g | |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 177mg | 8% |
| Total Carbohydrates 50g | 38% |
| Dietary Fiber 6g | 26% |
| Sugars 8g | |
| Protein 7g |
| Vitamin A 12% | Vitamin C 73% |
| Calcium 7% | Iron 16% |
| Vitamin K 17 mcg | Potassium 592 mg |
| Magnesium 98 mg | |