Worldwide Food Tour – Nigeria

Jollof rice is a beloved West African dish consisting of rice cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and a complex blend of spices. The rice absorbs the sauce as it cooks, taking on a distinctive orange-red color and intense flavor.

The dish typically includes garlic, ginger, thyme, curry powder, and sometimes Scotch bonnet peppers for heat. Regional variations exist – Nigerian Jollof often uses long-grain rice and a smokier flavor, while Ghanaian Jollof tends to use jasmine rice and a different spice profile.

Jollof’s origins are traced to the Wolof people of Senegal, where it was known as “thieboudienne.” It spread throughout West Africa during the Mali Empire’s trading period. Today, it’s a source of friendly rivalry between West African nations, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, over who makes the best version.

The dish is essential at celebrations and gatherings, from weddings to family dinners. Its popularity has spread globally, becoming a symbol of West African cuisine and cultural identity.