Juneteenth Jollof Rice
Daily Recipe: June 19, 2023
Juneteenth marks the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States and this recipe celebrates the traditional African American dish of Jollof Rice. It is a one-pot rice dish cooked in a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce with protein such as chicken or shrimp. Jollof Rice is a quintessential West African dish and is beloved for its iconic flavor and visually stunning presentation. This recipe is a fusion between traditional West African and African American cuisine.
Ingredients (for 6)
- Parboiled rice - 2 cups
- Chicken breast - 1 pound - cut into bite-sized pieces
- Shrimp - 1 pound - peeled and deveined
- Vegetable oil - 1/2 cup
- Red bell pepper - 1 - diced
- Green bell pepper - 1 - diced
- Onion - 1 medium - diced
- Tomato paste - 1 can (6 oz)
- Garlic cloves - 3 - minced
- Paprika - 1 tablespoon
- Ground ginger - 1 tablespoon
- Ground coriander - 1 tablespoon
- Dried thyme - 1 tablespoon
- Cayenne pepper - 1 tablespoon
- Chicken broth - 3 cups
- Bay leaves - 2
- Salt - - to taste
- Pepper - - to taste
- Cilantro - - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
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Step 1 - 🌡️🔥🍴In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil.
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Step 2 - 🐔🍳✋Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Step 3 - 🦐🍤🍳Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink. Remove the shrimp and set it aside.
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Step 4 - 🧅🧄🌶️🍅🌿🍳In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, red and green bell peppers, tomato paste, paprika, ginger, coriander, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Step 5 - 🍚🍲🥄Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
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Step 6 - 🍲🔥🕰️Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
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Step 7 - 🐔🦐🍲🔥Remove bay leaves and stir in the chicken and shrimp. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to warm through.
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Step 8 - 🍚🍽️🌿Serve the Jollof Rice garnished with chopped cilantro.
Additional
Jollof Rice is the most popular dish in West Africa. Some countries prepare the dish with diced tomatoes and onions, while others use a tomato paste mixture, like this recipe. Feel free to add your own spin by adding your favorite vegetables or protein. Also, the dish pairs perfectly with plantains, which can be sliced and browned in a pan before serving. Get your family involved in the preparation, they can help you with measuring ingredients, chopping vegetables, or setting the table.