Vegan Jollof Rice

Vegan Jollof Rice is a quick, tomato-based rice recipe from West Africa. This version is Vegan, but can happily pair with chicken, sweet plantains, or fluffy Moi-Moi! Can you think of a more rewarding meal after a good workout?

If you are a fan of meal-prepping easy Nigerian rice recipes, this is one to add to the list.

Vegan Jollof Rice hits differently.

It is colorful and savory, and the aroma is life-changing...okay maybe not life-changing, but you understand what I mean.

It’s not news that the West African continent is blessed with so many things but the Jollof rice is one of the ever popular.

You remember the very popular Rice dish made in countries like Nigeria, Gambia, Senegal, and Ghana. In fact, it is particularly cherished as one of the national delicacies in Nigeria.

The preparation of Jollof rice involves a delightful combination of rice, various types of meat, oil, blended tomatoes, and a medley of bell peppers and onions.

Traditionally, it has not been associated with vegan or vegetarian options, as meat holds a significant role in the African culinary culture.

However, vegans or vegetarians don't need to miss out on the Jollof rice culinary masterpiece. With the emergence of creative alternatives, you can now experience the delightful flavors of this dish in a plant-based version.

Now, let me take you through the journey to discover a variety of vegan and vegetarian recipes that allow you to indulge in this beloved West African delicacy without compromising your dietary preferences.

Why Veganize Jollof Rice?

Dietary Preferences

Some people have chosen to practice Veganism or Vegetarianism by choice. This could be due to health-related reasons, ethical considerations, or even personal beliefs. With vegan jollof rice, this category of individuals can enjoy the popular dish while adhering strictly to their dietary preferences.

Health Benefits 

Plant-based diets offer several health benefits. These include reduced risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, cancer, heart diseases, and more. With Vegan Jollof rice, individuals are encouraged to incorporate more nutrient-rich vegetables, legumes, and whole grains into their daily meals – an avenue to boost their overall nutritional intake. 

Environmental Sustainability

Animal agriculture has significantly impacted our environment. Some of these areas include deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. With Vegan Jollof rice, individuals contribute to a more sustainable food system, especially in the areas of carbon footprint reduction and support for the conservation of natural resources. 

Now, let’s take a deep look into how vegan jollof rice is made. But before then, what’s vegan Jollof rice itself?

What’s Unique about Vegan Jollof Rice?

Vegan jollof rice is a tomato-based rice recipe. Although, this version is vegan but can happily pair with chicken or sweet plantains! Can you think of a more rewarding meal after a good workout?

It is colorful and savory, and the aroma is life-changing…okay maybe but not life-changing, but you understand what I mean. 

If you’re a fan of meal-prepping easy Nigerian rice recipes, you’re about to discover an amazing recipe to add to your to-do list. 

Jollof rice is my go-to carb source for the week. If I’m lazy or pressed for time, I will pop a whole chicken in the oven and pair it with that.

This recipe also has very little oil, which is a win if you are counting calories

It is typically made with long-grain rice and slowly cooked in a tomato and pepper stew until the rice is fluffy.

Everything, including the meat, is cooked in one pot. Preparation styles differ from village to village and as you move towards other West African countries.

Ingredients for Vegan Jollof Rice

Produce

• Red bell pepper. A medium sized one is fine.
• Plum tomatoes. Make sure they are soft.
• Garlic cloves. Blended with bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion.
• Yellow onion. Finely Chopped.
• Red onion. Peeled & cut in half.
• Scotch bonnet peppers (optional). Substitute with habaneros.

Pantry

• Parboiled rice. Substitute long-grain rice
• Bay leaves. Great herb for a minty/black pepper taste. Don't forget to remove them when the rice is cooked.
• Jamaican curry powder. Make sure it's Jamaican curry.
• Vegetable bouillon seasoning. Substitute with Adobo if bouillon is unavailable.
• Dried thyme.
• Ground nutmeg. Very important ingredient. It adds a nutty, sweet flavor to the rice.
• Tomato paste. It provides a deep red color and tomato-ey taste. If you forgot to buy some, just follow this recipe.
• Vegetable broth.
• Olive oil.

Calories in This Recipe

Total Calories: 263

Protein: 5 grams

Fat: 4 grams

Carbs: 52 grams

How to Make Vegan Jollof Rice

• Preheat oven to 425° F.
• Roast. Place tomatoes, red bell peppers, and red onions on a baking tray with cooking spray.
• Blend. Place roasted veggies in a blender with scotch bonnets and garlic cloves. Blend until smooth and set aside.
• Sauté onions. In a stock pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil and chopped yellow onion.
• Add Seasonings. After a minute, add curry powder, thyme, nutmeg, and bouillon, and mix.
• Add puree. Next, add the mixture to the pot along with 3 bay leaves. Put the heat on low/medium and let it cook for 10 minutes.
• Cook rice. Add washed rice and 5 cups of water to the pot. Place foil over the pot before covering it with the lid. Make sure the stove is on the lowest setting.
• Adjust salt & water. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. After 30 minutes, check and adjust the water until the rice is cooked. Enjoy!

How Long Will Jollof Rice Last in the Fridge?

Once the rice cools to room temperature, you can place it in an air-tight container and put it in the fridge. If you don’t have a container, a Ziploc/storage bag will do the trick.

Leftover rice will stay good for 3-4 days.

Pro Tip

Regardless of whether you're preparing Jollof rice on the stovetop or baking it in the oven, the buildup of steam in the pot or foil plan indicates even and well-cooked rice.

Therefore, it is crucial to use a tight-fitting lid or foil cover to ensure the success of this dish. This will help trap the steam and create the ideal cooking environment for the Jollof rice, resulting in a perfectly cooked and flavorful final product.

Happy Cooking!

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