Theme: What is your Favorite food?
My favourite food is the finger-licking Nigerian Jollof Rice with chicken, and fried plantain. It is the Nigerian version of Indian biryani and is one of the most common dishes in the whole region of West Africa. It is heavily seasoned in a good way with amazing African flavours and spices. I think it is the perfect blend of those spices and flavours that makes it so rich and a true favourite.
For me, Jollof rice is much more than just a meal but a vessel of childhood memories. It transports me back to those times of past Christmases, a time we over-ate as kids and made so much merriment, a time we had neither care nor burden.
In my country, Jollof rice is nicely associated with "Jollification", merry making and festivity, a mood that comes with enjoying a meal of Jollof Rice and chicken. It's a dish that brings people together and adds a festive touch to any gathering. One of the most common activity in my household is the family bonding moment that consists of eating dinner together while watching a Nigerian movie or chitchatting and when Jollof Rice is the meal, it is doubled "Jollification"....😋 The excitement is so different!!!
There's this very yummy kind that we refer to as "Party" Jollof Rice. On a more serious note, any party without jollof rice on their food menu is no party at all, that's to show the level of importance attached to this delicious food.The "Party" standard version is prepared in a cast iron pot over a wood fire (particularly important), outside the house. This is to add that unique smokey flavour to the Rice which you just can’t get in the kitchen.
To prepare this mouth watering dish, one requires a few key ingredients , like tomatoes, peppers, onions, herbs and spices and some stock and a perfect sauce to Rice ratio. The cooked grains must be separate, not mushy.
Although they are several variations in methods of preparation and ingredients, Jollof rice is usually the end result. Every country maintains a unique recipe for cooking this delicious meal and my native country Nigeria is no exception. The main Ingredients include: long grain parboiled Rice, pepper, tomato paste, vegetable oil, onions and fresh tomatoes, seasoning, African spices, and chicken drum stick( remember that you can also use any protein of your choice, according to your preference). Jollof Rice can be prepared by following these steps; frying of the chicken, preparing of the stew, and lastly cooking of the Jollof rice.
I would recommend this meal to anyone visiting my country, Nigeria, we make it best. Taste this Jollof Rice and thank me later...😁
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