Jollof Rice and Beans

 

Rice and Beans are one of the staple foods we have in Nigeria. You rarely can go a week without having them as part of your diet. A sumptuous taste is achieved, however, when prepared in the West African Jollof style.

Over the years, it has become a very popular meal among Nigerians; known for its richness and amazing taste. Jollof Rice and beans are not only very easy to prepare but also contain the necessary nutrients required by the body. This combo tastes a lot better than ordinary jollof rice even when made with the same ingredients. You might want to try it out in your next culinary art.

Ingredients:

Rice                                    Beans

Fresh tomatoes                   Tomato Paste

Seasoning cubes                 Sliced onions

Vegetable oil                      Scotch bonnet (peppers)

Salt to taste                         Curry powder

Thyme

PROCEDURE:

Cooking duration: 90 minutes.

• Pick the beans, rinse, and set aside.

• Rinse the rice, parboil, and set aside.

• Rinse the tomatoes, scotch bonnet pepper and onion, and blend them all.

• Boil the beans with water and sliced onions. This can take up to 30 minutes or longer depending on the kind of beans used. White beans get soft in 30 minutes while brown beans can extend to 40 minutes before getting soft. At this stage, it is 60% cooked.

• Heat your pot and add vegetable oil. Add some sliced onions, fry for a minute, and add the blended pepper. Also, add the tomato paste to give it a scarlet colour.

• Cook on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Cook until it loses its sour taste and thickens. Remember to turn frequently to avoid burning, should take 15-20 minutes. Once it's done, set aside half of the sauce.

• Add water, seasoning cube, salt to taste, curry powder, and thyme, stir and let it boil.

• Add the precooked bean and parboiled rice.

• Stir together and add the sauce.

• Spread evenly on top of the cooking rice and beans, this will let your food cook properly and avoid burning. 

• Cover and cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes till the food is soft and the water is dried. 

• Use a wooden turner to turn them together and serve them with any protein of choice.

Enjoy!!!