A popular rice dish from West Africa, Coconut Jollof Rice, is an amazingly delicious rice dish flavored with coconut milk, bay leaf, thyme, and bursting with tangy tomatoes! This Nigerian Coconut Rice Recipe is quick, simple and will be a hit with your family!
This zesty and aromatic Coconut Jollof Rice is an incredible rice dish! Made with zingy tomatoes, creamy coconut milk and oil, this African-style Coconut rice is a total comfort meal when teamed with chicken, fish, and curries or lentils!
What I Love About This Recipe?
Coconut adds richness and creaminess to any dish. I practically grew up on Jollof Rice. My mother made amazing Nigerian dishes and I gradually learned many of those from her. Jollof rice originates from West Africa, where it’s a prominent staple food. It is usually served as a celebration meal!
This Coconut Jollof Rice is gluten-free and protein-rich rice that is loved by everyone irrespective of age. Simmered slowly in coconut milk, with crunchy bell peppers, fried chicken seasoning cubes and tomato puree, this creamy Jollof coconut rice is a wonderful treat! Customize it to make vegan rice or veggie rice!
Packed with flavor, color, and nutrition, this coconut rice is really enjoyable as a main course or a side dish!
Another favorite Jollof Rice is the classical Nigerian Jollof Rice.
Ingredients
This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that can be bought from a local store if you don’t already have them in your pantry. Read the Recipe Card for the measurements.
For Coconut Jollof Rice
- White rice- I have used long grain white rice for this recipe because it stays firm and maintains its shape. Basmati rice tends to become quite soft quickly so should be avoided. Wash the rice before adding to it the tomato sauce.
- Tomato Puree/Paste- This adds more of a tangy flavor to this rice and gives the Jollof its notorious orange color. You may add more fresh tomatoes and skip the tomato puree if you don't have any to hand.
- Onion- Chopped Onion sauteed in oil adds a mildly sweet flavor to this rice.
- Chicken Stock- Makes protein-rich flavorful rice. If you wish to make vegetarian or vegan rice, replace the chicken stock with veg stock.
- Coconut oil- Coconut oil works best for this recipe as it intensifies the coconut flavors. Any vegetable oil works well too.
- Coconut Milk- Is the star ingredient of this jollof rice. I love the addition of thick coconut milk. I have included the steps to make it at home in the FAQ. You may use any good local brand.
- Coconut Water- Though you may use plain water, coconut water adds the perfect aroma to this rice!
- Water- Around 2 cups of water is needed. This may vary depending upon the quality and brand of rice you use.
- Butter- Is added when the rice is almost done. It helps create soft and separated rice. If you don't wish to add butter, add more coconut oil instead.
Seasoning
- Chicken Stock Seasoning Cubes- I have used Knorr cubes. It is a blend of flavors of chicken, onion and spices, these cubes are sure to enhance the aroma and taste of the rice. For vegetarian/vegan options, you may add fried chunks of vegetable seasoning cubes, Tofu or broccoli.
- Thyme- Adds earthy and nutty flavor. You may also use parsley or basil.
- Bayleaf- I have used dried bay leaves to make aromatic and flavorful rice. One large is sufficient for this recipe. If you love bay leaf flavor, add it to the oil instead.
- Curry Powder- adds a spicy touch to this recipe. You may adjust the quantity to your taste.
- Salt- Table salt works well. You may also use Kosher salt.
For Tomato Mixture
- Plum Tomatoes- are slightly sweeter and are perfect for pureeing. They add a nice red color to this rice. You may also use cherry tomatoes, canned tomatoes or tomato paste as well. Fresh Tomatoes work best, though. If you prefer more of a coconut flavor then reduce the tomatoes.
- Bell Peppers- I have used red bell pepper as it adds a delicious sweet flavor to the dish.
- Scotch Bonnet- Add spicy depth to this rice dish. If you don’t like the heat, feel free to adjust its quantity.
- Onion- Adds mild sweet flavor and I have used white onions. You may use white onions or spring onions as well.
Equipment
Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan Coconut Jollof Rice- You can easily make this coconut rice vegan or vegetarian by substituting the chicken stock with vegetable stock. The chicken seasoning cubes can be substituted with fried Tofu cubes. If you’re using tomato paste, make sure it’s plant-based as some include fish sauce.
- Add another topping- Add fried chunks of Cashew for garnishing.
- Add another spice- You may add ginger for an aromatic flavor.
- Add tangy flavor- To make these rice tangier, add fresh lemon juice just before serving!
Storage Instructions
Leftover Coconut Jollof Rice can be stored in a dry container with a lid in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
You can freeze this rice for up to three months in an airtight container. To defrost, thaw the rice on the counter and reheat in the microwave before serving.
What to Serve with This Coconut Jollof Rice
How to Make Jollof Rice
A perfect fail-proof family recipe
Prep The Tomato Mixture
- Take a Blender and add plum tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion and a scotch bonnet to it. Blend till the mixture is smooth. Keep it aside for later.
Saute The Onions
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat coconut oil and add onions. Cook for a few minutes or until the onions are transparent.
3. Add the tomato puree, mix well and cook for 1 minute.
Spice It Up
4. Add the tomato mixture prepared previously and mix well. In the saucepan, add chicken seasoning cubes, curry powder, thyme, bay leaf and salt.
5. Keep stirring and cook it on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Make sure to cover with a lid for better cooking.
Flavor it with Coconut Milk
6. Pour the coconut milk gently into the saucepan and stir it well.
Add Rice
7. Add rice to the saucepan and stir until it is well combined. Let the rice cook on low/ medium flame for about 5 minutes.
Pour Coconut Water
8. Pour coconut water Into the saucepan and stir well.
9. Next, cover with a lid and let the rice cook for another 10-15 minutes. Keep a close watch and stir every 5 minutes to avoid burning.
Smear with Butter
10. Finally, add butter and stir gently to separate the rice.
11. Leave to simmer on low for 2 more minutes or until done.
Serve It
12. Finally, the delicious Coconut Jollof Rice is ready! Serve this mouth-watering, comfort dish with chicken, dodo (fried plantain), salad or stew!
Top Tips and Tricks
- Rice: If your rice is hard, the grains are probably undercooked. Add more water, bring to a simmer, and continue cooking until the grains are soft and chewy.
- Stock: If you want the coconut Jollof to have a richer meaty flavor then add chicken stock to the saucepan in step 3.
- Stir: Since the rice is cooked in one pot, make sure to keep stirring or else the rice may stick to the bottom of the pan.
FAQs
Usually, the secret ingredient in Jollof Rice is a Tomato mixture that adds both to the color and taste of the rice. This Coconut Jollof has coconut milk added to the list of secret ingredients.
You may roast the tomatoes and bell peppers before blending the pepper mixture.
Take the white skin of coconut and place it in a blender. Pulse on high with little water (add as required). Sieve it through a strainer or muslin cloth and the thick white liquid you get is coconut milk.
More Nigerian Recipes
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Easy Coconut Jollof Rice
Equipment
- Blender
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon of Coconut oil
- 1 Onion chopped
- ¼ cup of tomato puree
- Blended tomato mixture
- 2 chicken stock seasoning cubes
- 2 teaspoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 2 Bay leafs
- Salt to taste
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 3 cups of long grain white rice washed
- 1 cup of coconut water
- 2 cups of water
- Chicken stock optional see notes
- 1 tablespoon of butter
Blended Tomato Mixture
- 1 can of plum tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 scotch bonnet
Instructions
- Add plum tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion and scotch bonnet to the blender and blend until smooth. Set aside for later.
- Heat coconut oil in a medium-sized saucepan. Then, add onions and cook for a couple of minutes. Add tomato puree to the saucepan, then stir and cook it for one minute.
- Next, pour the blended tomato mixture into the saucepan. Then add chicken seasoning cubes, curry powder, thyme, bay leaf and salt to taste to the saucepan. Stir and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Pour coconut milk into the saucepan and stir.
- Add the rice to the saucepan then stir it until it is well combined with the sauce. Leave the rice to cook on low/medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Next, pour coconut water and water into the saucepan. Stir well and leave the coconut Jollof to cook for 10-15 minutes. Check and stir the rice every 5-7 minutes to prevent burning.
- Finally, add butter and leave to simmer on low for 2 more minutes or until done. Serve with chicken and plantain.
Notes
- Rice: If your rice is hard, the grains are probably undercooked. Add more water, bring to a simmer, and continue cooking until the grains are soft and chewy.
- Stock: If you want the coconut Jollof to have a richer meaty flavor then add chicken stock to the saucepan in step 3.
- Stir: Since the rice is cooked in one pot, make sure to keep stirring or else the rice may stick to the bottom of the pan.
Marta
I love jollof and love coconut, so when I came across this recipe on my internet searches, I was so excited. This jollof recipe might be my new go-to from now on. It has the right amount of heat with the creamy flavor of the coconut that I love so much.
Robin
This was the most flavor jollof rice I have ever had. With that said, I don't ever need to seek out another recipe ever.
Jessica
I love jollof and I love coconut rice so this is a recipe I could not wait to try. It definitely did not disappoint! It was easy to make and the flavors were out of this world. Can't wait to make another pot this weekend!
Kate
After making this jollof rice with coconut, I don't think I am going back to making it any other way than this. My rice turned out so aromatic and delicious!!
Krys Kiona
The tomato and coconut flavor are EVERYTHING! I’m officially a jollof believer… So good. Next time I’ll try it with scotch bonnet.
Taneisha
This is a one stop shop for jollof rice! I've never tried jollof rice before, i've only heard great things about it. So happy I stumbled across this recipe - 10/10!
Jazz
I had never tried coconut jollof before but your recipe was so easy to follow. The whole family enjoyed. Thank you!
Camille
Sims, this was such a hit with my little one. She's such a picky eater and I made this jollof rice for dinner and she asked for seconds. It was so flavorful and so easy to make.
Britney
I've had jollof rice from all over and I can honestly say this is my favorite recipe! It's better than all of the jollof rich dishes I've ever had and even better than my best friend's grandma's recipe. I can't wait to make this and share this with them, they're gonna think I got it from a restaurant!!