African Rice Recipes (2024)

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Author: Imma

Many African dishes, particularly with soups and stews are best paired with rice. Rice can be made into some pretty tasty dishes –Be it as a side dish, an accompaniment or a one-dish meal. It will find It’s way to your dinner table in more ways than one. African Rice Recipes (1) Taste the flavors of Africa with these 6 Amazing African Rice Recipes that will make you fall inlove with rice all over again!

  1. East African Pilau Rice- An intensely Flavored packed vegan rice, somewhat of a celebratory dish. It varies in preparation, but it is Super Spicy! Not Spicy Hot! But a spice haven- loaded with earthy spices. AND to make it even more flavorful, it is cooked with coconut milk. Seriously not kidding when I said it is intensely flavorful. So go on and indulge! Get the RECIPE HERE.

African Rice Recipes (2)

  1. Brown Spinach Rice (Check Rice)- A healthy African way of cooking rice spiced up with cayenne pepper, garlic and paprika. It is often served in special occasion as accompaniment to other dishes. Get the RECIPE HERE.

African Rice Recipes (3)

  1. Jollof Rice (Oven Baked)- Easy, flavorful and perfectly cooked Jollof rice made completely in the in the oven- So no more blending and stirring! This delicious rice dish is a fairly easy to make anywhere in the world because the ingredients are easy to find. One-pot dish that’s great for entertaining. Get the RECIPE HERE.

African Rice Recipes (4)

  1. South African Yellow Rice- Quick and easy fragrant rice spiced with turmeric, ginger, and a taste bud sensation! It is usually served with curries or casseroles. It’s very simple to make and the results are fabulous. Get the RECIPE HERE.

African Rice Recipes (5)

  1. Savory Coconut Rice- Coconut is a very big part of African and Caribbean Cooking and most of the recipes are made with fresh hard coconuts. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that goes great with curries, stir-fries, chicken, or beef. In fact, pretty much any protein or vegetable can be paired with this coconut-flavored rice. Get the RECIPE HERE.

African Rice Recipes (6)

  1. Nigerian Fried Rice- This Nigerian Fried Rice puts a spicy, flavorful spin on the traditional fried rice and is appealing on its own or served with a variety of other African food. I would say, it is a complete meal on It’s own. Great for entertaining! Get the RECIPE HERE.

African Rice Recipes (7) Enjoy !!!! African Rice Recipes (8)

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Comments & Reviews
  1. Aguot Manut Athit says

    I would to get more information on Jollof rice plz.

    Reply

    • Imma says

      Hi Aguot, I have a complete recipe for Jollof rice. Here you can have all the info https://www.africanbites.com/jellof-riceoven-baked/. Share your experience once you try them 🙂

      Reply

  2. Ada says

    Really looks interesting
    Would like to try some of them out. Please send t please send recipe to my mail. Thanks

    Reply

    • Immaculate Bites says

      Hello Ada! You may want to sign up to my list so you won’t miss my recipes that I send every week 🙂
      Here is the signup – HERE.

      Reply

  3. Tamy says

    Umm, Not sure where you got that recipe for Jollof Rice but that not how you make it at least not in Liberia. I’m Liberian and we definitely don’t make it like that at all. You used parboiled rice or rice of your choice. You blend your onion, green peppers, habanero pepper (your choice). You put that in a pot with oil and let it fried, add your seasoning, black pepper, maggie cube, onion powder, garlic powder,(season salt, your choice), add mixed vegetable, you add tomato paste mix well, then you add your chicken, meat (cube), shrimp, (or whatever meat you want), mix well then you add the cooked rice. Once everything is mix you take a aluminum pan pour the rice into the pan and covered it and put it in the oven for about 30min at 350 degrees, or eat as is.

    For check rice there is two way of making it. You can use spinach and okra. Boiled in a pot until it completely done and soft, drain excess water, you can use a fork to blend together to use a food processor the pour over cooked rice and mixed well or you can use palava leaf which you can buy at a African or Asian store. You do the same processes. You eat that with Chicken Gravy, Fish gravy or you gravy of choice.

    If you going to say this is how to make African food or any food of another culture please say what country eat like this. Not all West African, East African, or African in general eat the same, yes it is similar not not the same.

    I’m

    Reply

    • Bekah says

      Hello please send me the recipe. I love the different African ways of rice and stews. Bekah Archer on Facebook thank you

      Reply

      • imma africanbites says

        Hi Bekah, please subscribe to my newsletter by typing in your email address in the subscribe box on the right portion of this page to get the recipes straight to your inbox once they’re published. Thank you.

  4. Zubaidah Kailani says

    Pls can i be getting ur post on my email? I will be if i can have it. laazubee@gmail.com

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      It’s done. Thanks for subscribing

      Reply

  5. Chinwe says

    Waoh! Love this, am definitely gonna try them out. Thanks

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Do let me know how it works out for you. Thanks!

      Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Awesome!!! Do let me know which ones you try out!

      Reply

  6. Urban @ Urbanskitchen says

    All very nice and quite a variety of recipes there. Grew up eating so much of it cooked up so many ways. A good rice can be made so many ways and if your creative you’ll almost never run out of ideas of how to jazz up your rice and make it all festive. Whether your using Spices, Tea’s, Fruits, Vegetables, Stocks or variety of meats all are fair game to use to kick up that rice several notches. Even something as simple as Rice & Green Seasoning is awesomely tasty!

    Reply

  7. Joseyphina says

    They all look so yummy! Love your site!

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      THanks!

      Reply

  8. Jocelyn Diggs says

    I’m so glad I found your blog! I’m not a stay-at-home mom but I am until I go back to work (just had my second baby). My husband is from Liberia and rice is what he does and eats lol. To have access to a site with a variety of dishes to cook for him now makes planning daily/weekly meals so much easier. Can’t wait to see how these dishes turn out for us. Will do my best to keep you posted!!

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Hi Jocelyn! Congrats on your new baby!!! So glad to have you here – there’s a lot here to keep your family satisfied from rice recipes to African stews and soups.

      Do let me know if you need help .

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me .

      Reply

  9. Laurel Stephens says

    I knew when I saw these and groaned that I’d have to feature them on Friday Finds this afternoon! Thanks for sharing the recipe, and enjoy your weekend.

    Reply

    • Africanbites says

      Thanks laurel

      Reply

  10. Mom's Dish says

    Such a nice treat for the fall season.

    Reply

    • Africanbites says

      Try it kristina, don’t be shy , they don’t bite. Thanks

      Reply

      • Ron. says

        I whole-heartedly agree! But I was disgusted at the ads by Dr. Marty showing dead dogs poisoned by toxic foods, right next to these delicious recipes. I’m sorry to mention this. I love your website.

      • Imma Adamu says

        I understand. I appreciate your candor. I am glad you love my site. Please do return.

  11. Rosemary Niba says

    Good idea, bring it up,this is definitely my treat for the weeked but i had prefer no chocolate and have the coco as aready suggest above XINT

    Reply

    • Africanbites says

      Rosemary, let me know how you like it. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

      • Sarngu says

        I can’t wait to cook the dishes and try them

      • ImmaculateBites says

        Awesome! Do let me know how it works out for you.Thanks!

  12. kelsey says

    Looks yummy but did you forget to add cocoa as one of the ingredients?

    Reply

    • Africanbites says

      kelsey, just updated the recipe- thanks for being so observant . You are great!

      Reply

African Rice Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What's the secret to great jollof rice? ›

Jollof rice shouldn't really be boiled, rather it should be infused with steam. Therefore when cooking, make sure you use equal parts of water and rice. Never let the water drown the rice. Use the same measure for both and let the steam do its part.

What kind of rice do they eat in Africa? ›

The African rice, whose scientific name is Oryza glaberrima, is unique to Africa and is an integral part of the culture of some communities.

Which rice is best for jollof? ›

I have found that the best, no-fuss way to do this is in the oven. Jollof is typically made with long-grain rice, though in Nigeria, parboiled rice is the norm. Most jollof is prepared over an open flame or on a stovetop.

How do you get the bitter taste out of jollof rice? ›

TIP – Doing this and starting off your jollof rice this way really makes a difference and adds such a delicious in-depth flavour. Frying it also removes the bitter taste of uncooked purée and gives a smoky, sweet and distinctly rich flavour instead.

What gives jollof rice its taste? ›

Seasoning for taste

While in the pot, the tomato-pepper mixture is seasoned with curry powder, thyme, seasoning cubes, and jollof rice spices. The tomato-pepper sauce is finally mixed with pre-washed and pre-boiled rice. Everything takes place in the cauldron, which contributes its unique flavour to the rice mixture.

What is so special about jollof rice? ›

The rich and complex flavor profile of jollof rice is a testament to the range of spices and ingredients used. It is this diverse mix of spices, combined with a mastery of heat control, that gives the dish its signature taste.

What gives jollof rice its color? ›

Tomatoes give jollof rice its unique reddish colour. Fresh tomatoes are best used to prepare large quantities of jollof rice as they are cheaper than processed purees. Along with tomatoes, scotch bonnet also contributes to the colour of the rice.

What is the difference between Nigerian and Ghanaian jollof rice? ›

Cooking methods vary between Nigerian and Ghanaian jollof, but the main difference is the type of rice used. In making jollof, Nigerians use long-grain rice, which is sturdier and provides good flavor absorption, while Ghanaians use the more-aromatic basmati rice, which itself adds an extra flavor to the dish.

What type of rice does Nigeria use? ›

While Senegalese and Ghanaians go for varieties of fragrant Jasmine rice, Nigerians prefer parboiled or converted varieties, such as Golden Sella basmati rice, which cooks more quickly and is less prone to mushiness and clumping.

What is the English name of jollof rice? ›

Jollof rice
Jollof rice with stew and garnish
Alternative namesBenachin, riz au gras, ceebu jën, zaamè
Main ingredientsRice, tomatoes and tomato paste, onions, chili peppers, cooking oil
Ingredients generally usedHerbs, spices, aromatics
VariationsVarious meat and seafood versions
5 more rows

What do Nigerians eat with jollof rice? ›

10 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve Alongside Nigerian Jollof Rice
  1. Roast Beef in the Oven.
  2. Homemade Chicken Nuggets.
  3. Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Skillet.
  4. Suya.
  5. Dodo (Fried Plantains)
  6. Homemade Coleslaw.
  7. Moin Moin/Moi Moi.
  8. Soft-Boiled Eggs.
May 6, 2024

Can I use jasmine rice for jollof rice? ›

Long-grain rice is by far the best option to use for making jollof rice. Basmati and jasmine rice are two popular choices, with most people opting to use basmati rice thanks to its lovely nutty, earthy flavor. Ultimately the exact variety of rice isn't as important – just make sure it's long-grain.

What makes jollof rice special? ›

Unique Flavors of Jollof Rice

It is this diverse mix of spices, combined with a mastery of heat control, that gives the dish its signature taste. The tangy tomatoes, the spicy peppers, and the aromatic blend of herbs all contribute to the delectable its taste.

What is the importance of butter in jollof rice? ›

While the white pepper and bay leaf give your Jollof rice a prominent flavour and taste, butter gives it a rich look and taste. Jollof rice needs steam and not liquid to cook perfectly.

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