Nigerian Delight: Spicy Jollof Rice, Suya-Spiced Chicken, and Pineapple Coleslaw

Allergens

Eggs (in mayonnaise), gluten (not in this recipe)

Ingredients

• 2 cups long
• grain rice
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 ripe tomatoes, blended
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, to taste
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Suya spice mix
• 2 cups pineapple, chopped
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, grated
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the Suya spice mix (combine 1 teaspoon each of ground ginger, ground cumin, ground paprika, and ground turmeric, along with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and dried basil). Set aside. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell peppers, sautéing until softened. Stir in the blended tomatoes, ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, sugar, and salt, cooking for 5 minutes. Add rice to the pot, stirring to coat with the spice mixture. Pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until rice is cooked, about 20 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. While the rice cooks, prepare the Suya spiced chicken by marinating each thigh in a mixture of 1 tablespoon Suya spice mix, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for at least 30 minutes. Grill or pan fry until cooked through, about 8 minutes per side. In a separate bowl, combine pineapple, cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and chill before serving. To plate, center the Jollof rice on a dish, top with a Suya spiced chicken thigh, and surround with a generous scoop of pineapple coleslaw.

Chef’s Insight

The key to perfect Jollof rice is a balance of flavors, so taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Notes

Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less Suya spice mix to the chicken.