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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Nigerian Jollof Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s beloved across West Africa, and now you can make a budget-friendly version for under $5. Perfect for feeding the whole family!
🌟 Why You’ll Love Jollof Rice
- Incredibly Cheap: Feeds 4-6 people for under $5.
- Bursting with Flavor: Spicy, tangy, and savory all at once.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses affordable pantry staples.
- Versatile: Serve it with chicken, beef, or enjoy it on its own.
Want to know more about the origins of Jollof Rice? Read this article from BBC.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4-6, Cost: $4.80)
- 2 cups long-grain parboiled rice ($1.00)
- 1 can tomato paste (6 oz) ($0.50)
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped ($0.60)
- 1 onion, chopped ($0.25)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ($0.40)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder ($0.15)
- 1/2 tablespoon thyme ($0.10)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional) ($0.10)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth ($0.50)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Negligible)
Looking for affordable rice and spices? Check out Walmart.
🍳 Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse rice thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook Onions & Tomatoes: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft. Add tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, and spices. Cook until oil begins to separate from the tomato mixture.
- Add Rice & Broth: Add rice to the tomato mixture and stir well. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Fluff & Serve: Fluff rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.
Looking for tips to make perfect Jollof Rice? Read this guide from Serious Eats.
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rice | $1.00 |
| Tomato Paste | $0.50 |
| Tomatoes | $0.60 |
| Onion | $0.25 |
| Vegetable Oil | $0.40 |
| Curry Powder | $0.15 |
| Thyme | $0.10 |
| Paprika (Optional) | $0.10 |
| Broth | $0.50 |
| Total Cost | $4.80 |
🌟 Tips for Perfect Jollof Rice
- Rinse rice well before cooking to avoid mushiness.
- Add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Serve with fried plantains for an authentic touch.
For more traditional recipes, visit All Nigerian Recipes.
📖 More Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love
- The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Financial Independence – No Budgeting Required
- 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality
- Extreme Frugality: The Wildest Ways People Save Money and What Actually Works
📌 Final Thoughts
Nigerian Jollof Rice is the ultimate budget-friendly dish that’s filling, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with your family. Whether served alone or with a side of chicken or beef, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
For more cheap and delicious recipes, keep visiting KateFi.com!
