| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 10g | 2g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 8g | 8g | 1g |
The Locust Beans Jollof Rice recipe is quite close to my culinary heart. There’s something uniquely satisfying about creating a dish that’s as diverse and vibrant as the city I call home, New York City. I recall, strolling through the bustling farmer markets in the Bronx, exploring the richness of flavors, and getting inspirations from the multitude of cultures that shape our city’s food scene. And it’s this rich diversity that I’ve sought to capture in my Locust Beans Jollof Rice, bringing together an array of healthy ingredients for a taste sensation that’s positively bursting with uniqueness and flair.
The Intersection of Health and Flavor
What sets Locust Beans Jollof Rice apart from other dishes is the fusion of health and flavor. This delicious recipe doesn’t compromise on either aspect; it’s a testament to the notion that eating healthily doesn’t mean you have to forsake taste. The Locust beans, a staple in many West African dishes, are rich in protein and lipids that help to boost overall health. The dish is also packed with vitamins and minerals thanks to the assortment of vegetables and spices it contains, therefore making it as nutrient-dense as it is tasty.
A Melange of Tastes
The dish is also similar to a Spanish Paella or a South Asian Biryani in terms of its blend of veggies, spices, and rice, but it adds a little twist with the addition of diced fruit. The fruit adds a unique sweetness that counterbalances the savoriness of the locust beans and spices. Whether you use pineapple, mango, or papaya, the fruit elevates this dish to a whole other level making it a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite of mine.
While being a standalone star, this dish could also work well with a variety of protein sources like grilled prawns, chicken skewers, or a flavorful tofu stir-fry. So, if you’re looking to expand your culinary repertoire, delight your taste buds, and whip up a dish that’s a nod to a collective global culinary landscape, consider the Locust Beans Jollof Rice. It checks all the boxes for a meal that’s heartwarming, health-boosting, and most importantly, delicious.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of long-grain parboiled rice
- 1 cup of locust beans
- 4 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 cup of diced fruit (pineapple, mango, or papaya)
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of curry powder
- 2 cups of water
Method
Step One
Start by prepping the vegetables and fruits: dice the tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the mixed vegetables and fruits. Set them all aside.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the onions and garlic. Stir frequently and cook until they become translucent.
Step Three
Add the locust beans to the pot and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The locust beans will start to break down a bit as they cook, creating a thick sauce.
Step Four
Stir in the diced tomatoes, bell pepper, fresh ginger, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and curry powder. Let this mixture cook for about 10 minutes so that the flavors can mingle.
Step Five
Add the mixed vegetables and fruit to the pot and stir well to combine.
Step Six
Now, add the rice to the pot. Mix it in well, ensuring that each grain of rice is coated with the sauce.
Step Seven
Pour in the vegetable broth and water. The liquid should fully submerge the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step Eight
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and remove the pot from the heat.
Step Nine
Let your Locust Beans Jollof Rice sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps to further develop the flavors. Serve warm and enjoy!
