Ingredients
Method
Instructions for the Tomato Stew:
- To a blender or Vitamix add red onion, red peppers, garlic, ginger, habaneros, smoked paprika, curry powder, beef stock, and a can of whole tomatoes. Blend to a pureed consistency.
- Add the tomato puree to a skillet and cook over medium heat for approximately 20 minutes. Add salt around the 15-minute mark. I like to skim off any foam that may bubble to the surface while it's cooking.
- Divide the batch into 2 equal portions.
- You should have 2 equal cups of tomato stew.
- I like to freeze one portion and then use one portion.
For the Jollof rice:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Start by adding the canola oil to a heavy oven-safe pot and preferably a Creuset Braiser.
- Add in the onions. Cook until they turn translucent soft and slightly sweet. Remove half of the onions and reserve them on a plate to add at the end.
- Sprinkle spices and tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute stirring the whole time so it doesn't burn.
- Add in the garlic, bay leaf and fresh thyme. Stir slightly.
- Add in the rice, the tomato stew, and the beef stock.
- Stir gently with a fork just to disperse the rice evenly around.
- Cover and bake in the oven for a timed out 35 minutes.
- Remove after 35 minutes and then resist the urge to remove the lid. Do not lift the lid. Leave it to rest for a timed 15 more minutes. This is part of the cooking process.
- Remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
- Enjoy your beautiful jollof rice!