Vegan Jollof Rice

Vegan Jollof Rice

 

Ingredients:

 

-1 pound Parboiled Rice

-1 1/2 Medium Red Pepper

-1 large Red Onion

-1 Habanero Pepper

-1 cup water, plus 1 additional cup

-2 tablespoons Tomato Paste

-1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon No Beef Base

-1 tablespoon Curry Powder

-1 tablespoon Dried Thyme

-1 tablespoon Garlic Powder

-3 Bay Leaves

-2 tablespoons All Purpose Seasoning, plus additional to taste

-1/4 cup Vegetable Oil

-2 tablespoons Vegan Butter (optional)

 

Directions:

 

1. Slice the red onion in half. Finely dice one half and cut the other half into large cubes

2. Prepare the pepper mixture. In a blender, place the red pepper, cubed onion, and the whole habanero (only having cut off the stem). Add one cup of water and blend until smooth. You may need additional water. Set mixture aside

3. Heat the oil in a large pot on medium high heat. Add the diced onion to the oil and sauté until translucent. Add the Better that Bouillon, curry powder, thyme, and garlic powder to the pot. Sauté for about three minutes or until fragrant

4. Add the tomato paste to the pot. Sauté for about five minutes, allowing the tanginess of the tomato paste to disappear 

5. Add the blended pepper mixture, or about three cups of it to the pot. Cook for about fifteen minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken

6. Wash the parboiled rice until the water runs clear. Do not skip this step

7. Add the rice to the pot and stir well to combine. Add the bay leaves and the additional water to the pot or just enough to cover the rice 

8. Turn the flame down to low and cook for about thirty minutes or until the rice is soft and the liquid has been absorbed

9. Fluff the rice and stir in the butter