Nigerian Jollof Rice Curry

Ingredients

• Fresh cilantro - 1/4 cup, chopped
• Carrots - 2 medium, diced
• Green peas - 1 cup
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper - To taste
• Bay leaf - 1
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon
• Curry powder - 2 tablespoons
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, grated
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Green bell pepper - 1, chopped
• Red bell pepper - 1, chopped
• Onion - 1 medium, chopped
• Tomatoes - 4 medium, chopped
• Chicken or vegetable broth - 4 cups
• Basmati rice - 2 cups

Instructions

1. Wash the rice thoroughly and set aside.
2. In a blender, combine the tomatoes, onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the blended tomato mixture to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the curry powder, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Add the washed rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the tomato mixture.
7. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender.
8. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the diced carrots and green peas. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
9. Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the cooked carrots, green peas, and chopped cilantro.
10. Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
11. Serve the Nigerian Jollof Rice Curry hot and enjoy!