Jollof Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup oil or less
• 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp smoker paprika
• 1/4 tap ground ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp salt

Steps

1. Puree the tomatoes, red bell pepper and onion in a food processor. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pot then saute tomato paste. Add the spices and continue to saute until fragrant. Add the ginger (if using fresh) and garlic and saute for about 30 seconds.
3. Add rice. Saute until evenly coated by the spices then add the pureed vegetables and water. Season with salt and stir.
4. Once the pot starts to simmer, reduce heat to low and cook with cover for 20-30 minutes or until rice is soft and cooked through.
5. Garnish with cilantro or parsley before serving.