As salam aleykum sisters!
I hope you all are good!
Take your smoky jollof rice up a notch by making this beautiful asun jollof. Combining the smoky, spicy goodness of Asun (peppered grilled goat meat) with the rich, tomatoey base of classic Jollof rice, this recipe is a celebration of Nigerian cuisine at its finest. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a flavorful weeknight dinner, Asun Jollof Rice is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this detailed recipe and bring a taste of Nigeria to your kitchen!
Recipe:
- Asun Jollof Rice: Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 lb Asun (peppered grilled goat meat)
- 4 large tomatoes, blended
- 2 red bell peppers, blended
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 4 cups beef or goat broth
- Bay leafs
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Asun: If you don’t have pre-made Asun, you can make a substitute by grilling some well seasoned goat meat cut into bite sizes and then mixing in in some well fried pepper sauce, salt, and your favorite spices.
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the pepper base mixture: Add some tomato paste and fry for like 10 minutes, or when you notice it’s gone dark in colour but not burning. Then introduce your pepper mix mixture which comprises roasted (in the airfryer or oven) red bell peppers, onions, scotch bonnet, garlic and ginger. Season until borderline salty with seasoning cubes, salt, curry and thyme. This ensures your pepper mix base is very rich in order for your jollof to turn out nice. Stir well and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture reduces and the oil begins to separate from the sauce. This step is crucial for developing the rich flavor base of your Jollof rice.
- Add the broth: Pour in the beef, chicken or goat broth (I prefer goat broth especially for this recipe and bring the mixture to a boil. The broth not only adds deep flavour flavor but also helps cook the rice evenly.
- Add the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then add it to the boiling sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring all the rice grains are coated with the pepper mixture. Add more water if need be! But just a bit, remember jollof cooks by steaming not by boiling!
- Cook the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam in but to make sure to fold in at intervals to allow uniform cooking of the rice. Remember to use a foil paper as well to help in keeping steam in.
- Add the Asun: Once the rice is 90% cooked, gently fold in the prepared Asun pieces or grilled goat meat pieces in pepper sauce and Some thinly sliced tomatoes and onions. Cover the pot and let the flavors meld together for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat.
- Let it burn; this is the part where we want to achieve the smokiness, just increase the cookers temperature and allow to burn for like 10 minutes, take off heat and dont open yet as that would allow the smokiness from the burning circulate within the rice.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Asun Jollof Rice pairs wonderfully with a side of fried plantains, a simple salad, or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion: Asun Jollof Rice is a dish that brings together the best of Nigerian cuisine, combining the smoky, spicy flavors of Asun with the rich, comforting essence of Jollof rice. This detailed recipe ensures that you can recreate this beloved dish in your own kitchen, impressing family and friends with your culinary skills. Whether for a special occasion or a hearty weeknight meal, Asun Jollof Rice is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy this delicious fusion and savor the taste of Nigeria!
Until next time! Your kitchen best buddy!