5 Types of Jollof Rice You Have to Try!

Jollof rice is one of the most popular meals to come from Africa. It’s no surprise it has its own day set aside for the celebration of its existence. While different countries compete for the best jollof rice, we think that every Jollof is deserving of its own spotlight.  Here’s a list of the types of jollof rice you have to try in no particular order:

1. Senegalese Jollof 

Jollof rice actually originated from Senegal and is named after the kingdom of Jolof, a kingdom in the historic 15th- to 18th-century Senegambian region. There, it’s called Thiéboudienne or Ceebu Jen, and it’s made with broken jasmine rice. Like in most places, the rice is cooked in a stew of fresh tomatoes or tomato paste, but in Senegal, fresh and fermented seafood, a delightful parsley paste called rof, and vegetables such as carrots, aubergines, and cassava are considered essential parts of the meal.

2. Gambian Jollof 

Or Benachin, as it is known in the Gambia. This recipe is not too different from the Senegalese version. However, in this variant, cabbage is an important ingredient. 

3. Nigerian Jollof 

This is arguably one of the most popular types of jollof rice in West Africa. Apart from the long grain that has to be precooked, another feature of the Nigerian Jollof that sets it apart is its smoky flavour. It is mostly served with beef or chicken and on big occasions, which is why it earned its nickname “party Jollof” or “party rice.” 

This type of jollof rice might just be the best, don’t say we didn’t tell you!

4. Ghanaian Jollof 

The major difference between the Nigerian and Ghanaian Jollof is the type of rice used. Ghanaians prefer to use more aromatic basmati rice in their Jollof, which adds an extra flavour to the meal. 

5. Liberian Jollof rice 

The Liberian Jollof is cooked like the Nigerian counterpart with tomatoes, vegetables, and groundnut oil, but sometimes Liberians use palm oil to make their jollof rice.

Before you run off to try the next best jollof rice, here’s a guide on how to buy jollof rice for your loved ones in  Africa.