Last updated on October 6th, 2023 at 02:37 pm
Jollof rice, a cherished dish across West Africa, has a special place in Liberian cuisine. This one-pot meal, bursting with flavors and colors, is more than just food—it’s a symbol of culture, unity, and tradition.
Our team at Remitly created this guide for you as part of our series that celebrates the traditional foods of our global customers. Recipe included!
The Origin of Liberian Jollof Rice
The history of Jollof rice is as rich as its taste. It’s believed to have originated from the Senegambia region ruled by the Jolof Empire—hence the name. Over time, it spread across West Africa and evolved into different variations.
Each country added its unique touch to this dish. However, the essence remained—the harmonious blend of rice and spices cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients Used in Liberian Jollof Rice
The beauty of Jollof rice lies in its simplicity. At its core are three main ingredients: rice, tomatoes, and red palm oil—a staple in Liberian cooking. These form the base for this flavorful dish.
Other ingredients include onions, sweet bell peppers, garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet peppers for heat (optional), and an array of spices like thyme and curry powder. Meat or fish can be added for protein.
Liberian Jollof Rice Recipe
We have put together a recipe for you to make your own Jollof Rice at home. Note that this recipe serves four people. Feel free to adjust the quantities as needed.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, blended
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- 3 tablespoons of red palm oil
- A pinch of thyme and curry powder
- Salt to taste
- Broth or water for cooking
- Optional protein: chicken, fish or beef
Instructions
- Heat the red palm oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger, followed by the blended tomatoes and chopped bell pepper.
- If you’re using Scotch bonnet pepper for heat, add it now.
- Season with thyme, curry powder and salt.
- Let this mixture simmer until it thickens into a stew-like consistency.
- While your stew is simmering, wash your rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Once your stew is ready, stir in the washed rice until it’s well coated with the stew.
- Add broth or water—just enough to cover the rice—and let it cook on low heat until all liquid is absorbed and each grain is tender but not mushy.
- If you’re adding protein like chicken or fish, grill separately and serve alongside your Jollof rice.
Variations of Jollof Rice Across West Africa
While there’s a common thread running through all versions of Jollof rice—rice cooked in tomato sauce—the variations across West African countries are fascinating. In Liberia specifically, red palm oil gives the dish its distinctive taste and color.
Nigerian Jollof, on the other hand, often uses long-grain parboiled rice and leans towards a smoky flavor. Ghanaian Jollof is known for using Jasmine or Basmati rice and has a lighter color due to less tomato usage.
Popular Pairings with Jollof Rice
Jollof rice can be enjoyed as is but pairing it with sides elevates the dining experience. Fried plantains are a popular choice—their sweetness balances out the spiciness of the rice.
Another favored accompaniment is coleslaw or salad for some freshness. For protein, grilled chicken, fish or beef skewers are often served alongside.
Exploring Liberian Cuisine
Liberian cuisine reflects its rich cultural diversity with influences from indigenous tribes as well as settlers from America and Caribbean.
Staple Foods in Liberia
Rice holds a central place in Liberian meals—be it Jollof rice or served plain with a variety of stews and sauces. Cassava, plantains, yams and sweet potatoes are other staple foods.
Popular Liberian Dishes
Beyond Jollof rice, Liberia boasts an array of delicious dishes. ‘Palava sauce’—a spinach stew with meat or fish—is a favorite. ‘Fufu’, made from cassava or plantains and served with soup, is another well-known dish.
Street Food in Liberia
Street food culture is vibrant in Liberia. From grilled corn to fried plantains and spicy kebabs—you’ll find a range of quick bites that offer a taste of local flavors.
Liberian Desserts
Liberians have a sweet tooth too! Candied coconut strips known as ‘Kanyah’ and banana bread are popular desserts often enjoyed with Liberian coffee or ginger beer.
In essence, Liberian cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors—spicy, savory and sweet—that tell the story of its diverse cultural heritage. Whether it’s the beloved Jollof rice or the humble street food, each dish invites you to partake in this culinary journey.
Visit the homepage, download our app, or check out our Help Center to get started.