Ivorian Jollof Rice
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Loading... - Fabrice Bekono
- 02 Sep 2022
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Ivorian Jollof rice or Jollof is a one-pot rice-rich dish popular in many West African countries such as Cameroon, and Togo.
Wedding, funerals, naming ceremonies, get-togethers, celebration times = Jollof rice in many West African countries. If you have been lucky to be invited to one of their party times, you would notice this vibrant, flavorful rice dish that they love and adore.
Spiced and stewed in a tomato-based broth and seasoned with curry powder, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, this is an Ivorian Jollof rice dish you are gonna love!!
What is Jollof Rice?
The name Jollof is said to come from the Wolof people of Senegal. Known by many different names in different countries, Jollof is a one-pot rice dish often called a “reddish one-pot dish”.
It is popular in many West African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, Cameroon, Mali, Sierra, Ivory Coast and Liberia. There are several regional variations, the difference being the method of cooking or the ingredients used .
Everybody is quite passionate and possessive over their beloved jollof, ready to go to war proving theirs is the BEST out there. These verbal “Jollof Wars” are well known, especially between Nigeria and Ghana.
Typically this dish is rice cooked in a tomato based sauce or broth. Often it is supplemented by some veggies and meats like chicken, beef or goat, sometimes even seafood.
Origin Of Jollof Rice
Based on the name of the Jollof rice, one can easily conclude that its origins can be traced to the Senegambian region that was once ruled by the Jolof Empire (1350 to 1549). The Jolof Empire (also Djolof, Wolof), which controlled parts of Senegal and the Gambia was established as a vassal of the Mali Empire.
At that time, the region extending from the Gambia River to Liberia was also known as the Grain or Rice coast because a number of grains including rice and millet were grown on the banks of the Senegal River.
However, James McCann in his book, Stirring the Pot claims that Jollof rice may have propagated throughout West Africa with the Djula people, tradesmen from the Mali Empire, historically referred to as the Manden Kurufaba, or just Manden (c. 1230 to 1670).
The Senegalese version of this traditional dish, thieboudienne, which features fried fish and that I cooked last year, seems to have originated much later during the nineteenth century as it was created by a woman from Saint Louis, on the northwest coast of the country, called Penda Mbaye.
Who Makes The Best Jollof Rice?
Although Senegal, the Gambia or Mali could easily claim the paternity of this West African staple dish, there is definitely a light-hearted war going on between Nigeria and Ghana about who makes the best Jollof rice!
Is Jollof Rice Healthy?
Jollof rice is made from a variety of ingredients, and this makes it healthy.
How To Serve Ivorian Jollof Rice
The Ivorian Jollof Rice can be served with Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Goat Meat, Fish or moi moi and sometimes with a side of fresh creamy Coleslaw.
In west Africa, a party such as a wedding ceremony or a naming ceremony is not complete without this meal. It is a sure party pleaser. Read More...
