Jollof Quinoa

I love eating quinoa in place of rice, so I have been working on recreating all my favorite rice recipes with quinoa. This Jollof Quinoa is such a hit with my family, and will be with yours as well! Also try some of my other quinoa creations, such as Jamaican Quinoa and Peas, Cilantro Lime Quinoa, Vegan Kimchi Fried Quinoa, and Quinoa Tabouli.

I enjoyed jollof rice when I lived in England, 25 years ago I first learned to make it from my Nigerian friends, for years I didn’t make this popular Nigerian dish until I moved to Ohio about 5 years ago. I started going to a Ghanian church and every week they would serve delicious vegetarian jollof rice. My love for jollof rice was reignited and I grew very close to the members of the church until I had to leave. (copied from my Jollof Rice recipe)

Jollof Quinoa

As you can see, my love for Jollof made me feel like I had to try it with quinoa, and thankfully this recipe successfully does the trick. I love to eat quinoa in place of my usual rice, because of its’ nutritional content.

Quinoa is stuffed full of protein and fiber, so I love having it with my meals instead of carb-heavy rice sometimes. Please don’t take this as me suggesting not to eat carbs. I just know that in my diet if I’m not careful I can have a bit too much. 

Quinoa also has large amounts of essential minerals, such as manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus, copper, iron, and zinc. These are all important minerals that many people do not get enough of in their diets.

What Is Jollof Rice?

Jollof rice is a common one-pot rice dish in Western African countries, most notably Nigeria and Ghana. Jollof breeds a sense of national pride so intense that competition is fierce between the two countries over whose version of the dish is best. In fact, “Jollof Wars” are held, which are basically a cook-off and judged taste test of both the country’s version and sometimes other surrounding countries as well. 

It is made with a base of various seasonings and tomatoes or tomato paste, with rice and water added so that the rice cooks in the tomato mixture, absorbing the flavor and color. It is usually served with some sort of protein and vegetables for a nutritionally balanced meal.

What Is In Jollof Quinoa?

• Quinoa
• Tomatoes
• Red bell pepper
• Onion
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Vegetable broth
• Bouillon cube
• Olive oil
• Tomato paste
• Curry powder
• Thyme
• Cayenne pepper

How Is Jollof Quinoa Prepared?

1. Wash quinoa and set aside. 
2. Place tomatoes, bell pepper, ½ of onion, ginger, garlic, and vegetable broth in a high-speed blender and process until smooth. 
3. Pour the liquid mixture and vegan bouillon into a saucepan over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Set aside.
4. Heat oil in a large saucepan, add the remaining onion, and saute until soft, about 2 minutes.
5. Stir in tomato paste, curry powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper, and cook until fragrant. 
6. Add quinoa and stir to coat. Stir in the reduced liquid and add salt to taste. 
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Store leftover Jollof quinoa in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in a container covered with a tight-fitting lid. 

Can You Freeze Jollof Quinoa?

Yes, you can freeze Jollof quinoa, allow cooked quinoa to cool completely, transfer to a sealable freezer bag or sealable container, and store in the freezer for approximately 2 months.

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