How to Make Jollof Rice | NYT Cooking

“We don’t say a dish is spicy — we say it has pepper.” Yewande Komolafe is a recipe writer who grew up in Lagos and found herself searching for the heat and flavor of Nigerian food in the U.S. She picked the 10 essential Nigerian recipes, and this jollof rice was No. 1. It's smoky and has a spicy kick.

Photo Credits:
Photography by Johnny Miller
Food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich
Prop styling by Paige Hicks

------------------------------------------

A paid subscription gets you full access to our recipes, daily inspiration and a digital Recipe Box.

About NYT Cooking:
All the food that’s fit to eat (yes, it’s an official New York Times production).

[tobiade]

Can we take a moment to appreciate Yewande's hair.

[Hello-mvxs]

Yewande is by far the most watchable person I’ve seen on this channel - so elegant, eloquent and engaging. I hope to see more of her in the future.

[MamaEzi]

So happy to see an old friend successful. I remember the day she told me she was going to culinary school. I admired the fact she was going outside the box to pursue her dreams and here she is years later. Hope to reconnect one day

[danberyll]

Why are most of the comments about unwashed rice? Can we just celebrate the fact that NYT is highlighting the deliciousness of Nigerian food.

[tashneepierre-louis]

Can we take a moment to appreciate Yewande’s beauty.

[adoringjess]

the very first time i had jollof rice was after prom at my nigerian friends house and it was AMAZING probably the best rice dish ive had to date. ill marry jollof rice if the state allows lmao

[elchacal]

My brother in law is Nigerian. Made this for him, and he told me it was just like home. Thanks Yewande!

[amapparatistkwabena]

Giving West African cuisine the class and respect it deserves---thank you, sista, and thank you NYT for following up with the idea!

[kiwthebeauty]

Give this lady her own show! She is an amazing cook and easy to follow through! I love her energy! I am going to watch more of her dishes!

[corgeousgeorge]

OMG the host is so charming. Her aside about thinking that all kids had a 5 lb bag of chocolate in their kitchens made me really smile! She's quite charismatic in an understated way

[Pschychotically]

"all the elements love each other"
What a lovely statement!

[jameelakiritharan]

I am from an Indian West Indian/Caribbean background and I and my family enjoy eating this rice. I learnt how to prepare it from my Nigerian colleague. I also add carrots together with the sweet peppers and tomatoes and of course the seasoning not forgetting the hot pepper ! - after all, I am from the CaribIndies, no food without scotch bonnet !!! This rice is superb for young children as something to eat on its own, I cook it with chicken gizzard, delicious.

[Njoofene]

I am Senegalese and Gambian but also love the Nigerian version. It looks absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[DUZEification]

Tried this at a potluck years ago, someone had made a ton of it and I ate ALL of it...no regrets

[Kayodee]

Every Nigerian would agree that Jollof always tastes the best from a party

[zoeisabella]

A) she's gorgeous as hell B) I can't wait to make this at home C) we need more Nigerian recipe videos pls

[kimberlyish]

I just saved this recipe for future use. Through Ancestry I discovered that I'm 46% Nigerian so I'm looking forward to connecting to my roots through food:-) Love, love, her hair!

[miaosai]

This is by far, one of my favorite Nigerian dishes. I have one Auntie that makes it the best ooo. We fry ours. Then use Maggi, salt, curry, and thyme- all in one pot (washed rice). This version has my mouth watering too!
So great to see a beautiful woman with so much class; so eloquent! Representing well. More of her please!!

[Ricci]

Jollof rice is similar to red rice from Charleston, SC. I love the fact that my family is from Charleston! We were able to hold onto quite a few African traditions when we were kidnapped and brought to America. Mainly through our food and recipes and of course our accent. I have to try jollof rice!

[everykneeshallbowzao]

So beautiful. Her voice, her demeanour, her hair, her outfit, her love for cooking. Amazing.