Jollof Rice with Beef Skewers (Ghana/Nigeria)

Jollof Rice with Beef Skewers (from Ghana/Nigeria)

Jollof Rice Ingredients

2 large onions
1/3 cup vegetable oil, plus 2 tablespoons
14 oz diced tomatoes (2 cans)
6 oz tomato paste (1 can)
1 habanero pepper
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground ginger
3 chicken bouillon cubes
2 1/2 cups long grain rice
1 cup frozen vegetable mix
1 1/2 cups water

Jollof Rice Instructions

1. Combine chopped onions and 2 tbsp of oil to a blender and pulse until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste and habanero pepper to the blender. Pulse until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl.
3. Heat the remaining 1/3 cup of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
4. Once the oil is simmering add the onion puree and cook until golden brown (about 10 minutes).
5. Stir in the tomato puree and add the curry powder, garlic powder, ginger and crushed bouillon cubes.
6. Cook the mixture for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew has reduced by half and is deep red in color.
7. Add the rice, mixed vegetables and water. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with foil and a lid. Simmer for another 30 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

Beef Skewers 

Beef filet cut into cubes
3 scotch bonnet chilies
3 cloves of garlic
2 tbsp grated ginger
1 1/2 red onion
2 beef bouillon cube
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large green pepper
1 large red onion

Beef Skewer Instructions

1. In a food processor, grind together the chilies, ginger, garlic, onion, bouillon cube and oil.
2. Form a smooth paste and marinate the beef for 4 hours.
3. Thread the meat, green pepper and red onion (all cubed) onto skewers.
4. Cook skewers on grill until the meat is tender.
5. Place beef skewers on Jollof Rice.