African Rice Recipes (2024)

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Author: ImmaPublished:2/17/2017Updated:5/14/2021

Many African dishes, particularly with soups and stews are best paired with rice. Rice can be made into some pretty tasty dishes –Be it as a side dish, an accompaniment or a one-dish meal. It will find It’s way to your dinner table in more ways than one. Taste the flavors of Africa with these 6 Amazing African Rice Recipes that will make you fall inlove with rice all over again!

East African Pilau Rice- An intensely Flavored packed vegan rice, somewhat of a celebratory dish. It varies in preparation, but it is Super Spicy! Not Spicy Hot! But a spice haven- loaded with earthy spices. AND to make it even more flavorful, it is cooked with coconut milk. Seriously not kidding when I said it is intensely flavorful. So go on and indulge! Get the RECIPE HERE.

Brown Spinach Rice (Check Rice)- A healthy African way of cooking rice spiced up with cayenne pepper, garlic and paprika. It is often served in special occasion as accompaniment to other dishes. Get the RECIPE HERE.

Jollof Rice (Oven Baked)- Easy, flavorful and perfectly cooked Jollof rice made completely in the in the oven- So no more blending and stirring! This delicious rice dish is a fairly easy to make anywhere in the world because the ingredients are easy to find. One-pot dish that’s great for entertaining. Get the RECIPE HERE.

South African Yellow Rice- Quick and easy fragrant rice spiced with turmeric, ginger, and a taste bud sensation! It is usually served with curries or casseroles. It’s very simple to make and the results are fabulous. Get the RECIPE HERE.

Savory Coconut Rice- Coconut is a very big part of African and Caribbean Cooking and most of the recipes are made with fresh hard coconuts. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that goes great with curries, stir-fries, chicken, or beef. In fact, pretty much any protein or vegetable can be paired with this coconut-flavored rice. Get the RECIPE HERE.

Nigerian Fried Rice- This Nigerian Fried Rice puts a spicy, flavorful spin on the traditional fried rice and is appealing on its own or served with a variety of other African food. I would say, it is a complete meal on It’s own. Great for entertaining! Get the RECIPE HERE.

Enjoy !!!!

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Comments & Reviews

Aguot Manut Athit says
Posted on 8/16 at 1:52AM
I would to get more information on Jollof rice plz.
Reply
- Imma says
  Posted on 8/16 at 6:50AM
  Hi Aguot, I have a complete recipe for Jollof rice. Here you can have all the info https://www.africanbites.com/jellof-riceoven-baked/. Share your experience once you try them 🙂
  Reply
Ada says
Posted on 6/2 at 2:47AM
Really looks interesting
Would like to try some of them out. Please send t please send recipe to my mail. Thanks
Reply
- Immaculate Bites says
  Posted on 6/2 at 8:42PM
  Hello Ada! You may want to sign up to my list so you won’t miss my recipes that I send every week 🙂
  Here is the signup – HERE.
  Reply
Man Bahadur rana says
Posted on 8/20 at 10:06PM
Wow amazing ricepiy thank you and
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Reply
Tamy says
Posted on 8/12 at 7:58AM
Umm, Not sure where you got that recipe for Jollof Rice but that not how you make it at least not in Liberia. I’m Liberian and we definitely don’t make it like that at all. You used parboiled rice or rice of your choice. You blend your onion, green peppers, habanero pepper (your choice). You put that in a pot with oil and let it fried, add your seasoning, black pepper, maggie cube, onion powder, garlic powder,(season salt, your choice), add mixed vegetable, you add tomato paste mix well, then you add your chicken, meat (cube), shrimp, (or whatever meat you want), mix well then you add the cooked rice. Once everything is mix you take a aluminum pan pour the rice into the pan and covered it and put it in the oven for about 30min at 350 degrees, or eat as is.
For check rice there is two way of making it. You can use spinach and okra. Boiled in a pot until it completely done and soft, drain excess water, you can use a fork to blend together to use a food processor the pour over cooked rice and mixed well or you can use palava leaf which you can buy at a African or Asian store. You do the same processes. You eat that with Chicken Gravy, Fish gravy or you gravy of choice.
If you going to say this is how to make African food or any food of another culture please say what country eat like this. Not all West African, East African, or African in general eat the same, yes it is similar not not the same.
I’m
Reply
- Bekah says
  Posted on 5/13 at 2:45PM
  Hello please send me the recipe. I love the different African ways of rice and stews. Bekah Archer on Facebook thank you
  Reply
  - imma africanbites says
    Posted on 5/16 at 6:30AM
    Hi Bekah, please subscribe to my newsletter by typing in your email address in the subscribe box on the right portion of this page to get the recipes straight to your inbox once they’re published. Thank you.
Zubaidah Kailani says
Posted on 6/21 at 8:44AM
Pls can i be getting ur post on my email? I will be if i can have it. laazubee@gmail.com
Reply
- ImmaculateBites says
  Posted on 6/25 at 2:00PM
  It’s done. Thanks for subscribing
  Reply
Chinwe says
Posted on 6/18 at 3:30PM
Waoh! Love this, am definitely gonna try them out. Thanks
Reply
- ImmaculateBites says
  Posted on 6/19 at 10:11AM
  Do let me know how it works out for you. Thanks!
  Reply
Hope says
Posted on 2/22 at 9:48PM
Wow,this is sooo yammmy,have to try it out thanks for sharing the recipes.
Reply
See Also
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- ImmaculateBites says
  Posted on 2/24 at 11:15AM
  Awesome!!! Do let me know which ones you try out!
  Reply
Urban @ Urbanskitchen says
Posted on 2/18 at 12:58PM
All very nice and quite a variety of recipes there. Grew up eating so much of it cooked up so many ways. A good rice can be made so many ways and if your creative you’ll almost never run out of ideas of how to jazz up your rice and make it all festive. Whether your using Spices, Tea’s, Fruits, Vegetables, Stocks or variety of meats all are fair game to use to kick up that rice several notches. Even something as simple as Rice & Green Seasoning is awesomely tasty!
Reply
Joseyphina says
Posted on 2/17 at 6:21PM
They all look so yummy! Love your site!
Reply
- ImmaculateBites says
  Posted on 2/17 at 7:28PM
  THanks!
  Reply
Jocelyn Diggs says
Posted on 2/16 at 2:51AM
I’m so glad I found your blog! I’m not a stay-at-home mom but I am until I go back to work (just had my second baby). My husband is from Liberia and rice is what he does and eats lol. To have access to a site with a variety of dishes to cook for him now makes planning daily/weekly meals so much easier. Can’t wait to see how these dishes turn out for us. Will do my best to keep you posted!!
Reply
- ImmaculateBites says
  Posted on 2/16 at 8:34AM
  Hi Jocelyn! Congrats on your new baby!!! So glad to have you here – there’s a lot here to keep your family satisfied from rice recipes to African stews and soups.
  Do let me know if you need help .
  Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me .
  Reply
Laurel Stephens says
Posted on 9/13 at 1:58PM
I knew when I saw these and groaned that I’d have to feature them on Friday Finds this afternoon! Thanks for sharing the recipe, and enjoy your weekend.
Reply
- Africanbites says
  Posted on 9/13 at 7:51PM
  Thanks laurel
  Reply
Mom's Dish says
Posted on 9/12 at 9:24PM
Such a nice treat for the fall season.
Reply
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
Posted on 9/12 at 7:30PM
ahhh, these looks so yummy. my mouth is watering.
Reply
- Africanbites says
  Posted on 9/13 at 10:14AM
  Try it kristina, don’t be shy , they don’t bite. Thanks
  Reply
  - Ron. says
    Posted on 4/11 at 3:57AM
    I whole-heartedly agree! But I was disgusted at the ads by Dr. Marty showing dead dogs poisoned by toxic foods, right next to these delicious recipes. I’m sorry to mention this. I love your website.
  - Imma Adamu says
    Posted on 4/11 at 5:15PM
    I understand. I appreciate your candor. I am glad you love my site. Please do return.
Rosemary Niba says
Posted on 9/12 at 6:32AM
Good idea, bring it up,this is definitely my treat for the weeked but i had prefer no chocolate and have the coco as aready suggest above XINT
Reply
- Africanbites says
  Posted on 9/12 at 9:15AM
  Rosemary, let me know how you like it. Thanks for stopping by!
  Reply
  - Sarngu says
    Posted on 10/28 at 5:37PM
    I can’t wait to cook the dishes and try them
  - ImmaculateBites says
    Posted on 10/29 at 6:31AM
    Awesome! Do let me know how it works out for you.Thanks!
kelsey says
Posted on 9/11 at 11:32PM
Looks yummy but did you forget to add cocoa as one of the ingredients?
Reply
- Africanbites says
  Posted on 9/12 at 6:42AM
  kelsey, just updated the recipe- thanks for being so observant . You are great!
  Reply

FAQs

What is the most popular African rice? ›

Jollof (/dʒəˈlɒf/), or jollof rice, is a rice dish from West Africa. The dish is typically made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, chilies, onions, spices, and sometimes other vegetables and/or meat in a single pot, although its ingredients and preparation methods vary across different regions.

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What is jollof rice made of? ›

Jollof rice is a West African dish made with long-grain rice that is cooked in a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce. It typically contains additional ingredients such as onions, ginger, garlic, spices, and vegetables, and is often served with grilled or fried chicken, fish, or meat.

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How is rice eaten in Africa? ›

White rice is a common dish eaten with different types of sauces, soups and stews. In most African countries, white rice is usually eaten with tomato stew. Other side dishes include; chicken sauce, vegetable sauce, and local dishes like ofada sauce, pepper soup, ofe nsala and ofe akwu, also known as palm nut soup.

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What is the secret ingredient in jollof rice? ›

Tomato paste is the secret to the signature reddy Jollof Rice colour. So, for every 3 cups of Jollof rice, you'll need 3 Red Bell Peppers, 2 Small Tomatoes and 70g of tomato paste.

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What is the traditional rice in Africa? ›

Oryza glaberrima, commonly known as African rice, is one of the two domesticated rice species. It was first domesticated and grown in West Africa around 3,000 years ago. In agriculture, it has largely been replaced by higher-yielding Asian rice (O. sativa), and the number of varieties grown is declining.

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What rice do Nigerians eat? ›

Long grain rice, as I found out, is the preferred type of rice for most Nigerians because of its distinct aroma and texture. It has a nutty, earthy flavor/aroma that I just can't get enough of.

Get More Info Here ›

What is fufu made from? ›

Fufu can be made using almost any starchy ingredient, and while it is most commonly made using cassava root or yams, it may also be made using cassava, yam, eba, green plantains, amala, cocoyam (malanga), breadfruit, corn, semolina, rice, or a combination of 2 or more of these foods.

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What's the difference between fried rice and jollof rice? ›

Fried rice is far quicker, is usually based on one day old rice (or steamed rice). It is based on asian aromatics (ginger, garlic, scallions), usually some eggs (not a thing in Jollof), soya sauce, often oyster sauce… That's it.

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Is jollof rice Jamaican or Nigerian? ›

Jollof rice is a common staple dish loved by many different cultures in Western/Sub-Saharan Africa. It is most commonly considered a Nigerian or Ghanaian recipe but is also common in Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Liberia, and many other countries in the region.

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Which country eats rice the most in Africa? ›

West Africa boasts some of the highest per capita rice consumption rates globally, with people eating 50-100+ kg annually. Guinea has the continent's largest per capita intake at 151kg, ranking 10th worldwide.

Who eats more rice Asians or Africans? ›

The consumption patterns of rice vary across different regions and cultures, but some general trends can be observed globally. Rice consumption in Asia accounts for 90% of global rice consumption, making the region the largest consumer of this staple food.

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Which ethnicity eats the most rice? ›

China is the nation that consumes the most rice. Rice is a staple food in Chinese cuisine, and it is a significant part of their daily diet.

Why is my Jollof not tasty? ›

You are not using enough tomato/pepper blend

You blend 2 pieces of tomatoes, 1 chili pepper, 1 red bell pepper and half an onion and hope to make enough rice for a small wedding. Ko le werk. The key to an awesome Jollof rice experience is that each grain of rice is saturated in the delicious Jollof sauce.

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Which spice is good for Jollof rice? ›

Stir in the spices and seasonings (Paprika, thyme, nutmeg, bay leaf, and salt), then add the rice and vegetable or meat stock and stir together. Place a piece of aluminium foil into the pot, covering the entire surface of the rice, then place a lid over the pot. Cook for 20 minutes on low heat (stirring occasionally).

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What does butter do in Jollof rice? ›

White pepper and Bay leaves are added alongside spices and seasonings when frying the tomato puree, while butter is added at the end; a few minutes before the rice is ready. While the white pepper and bay leaf give your Jollof rice a prominent flavour and taste, butter gives it a rich look and taste.

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What is the name of the best rice in Nigeria? ›

Famos rice is stone free, odorless, and nutritious. Therefore, making it the best of brands in the category of indigenous Nigerian rice. Famos Rice is milled with the intention of making the final consumer enjoy his/her native delicacy or foreign rice recipe with an amazing taste and exceptional nutritional value.

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Which country produces the best rice in Africa? ›

Nigeria is the continent's leading rice producer and produces over 46% of west Africa's harvest. The country is also a big consumer.

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What is the best jollof rice in Africa? ›

UNESCO however pronounced Senegal's Ceebu Jen as the best, adding that the dish is part of their cultural heritage and settling several years of debate. Jollof rice has become part of the people's way of life.

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Which type of rice is most famous? ›

Long grain rice is an indispensable type of rice in Asian cuisine. It is the most popular type of rice, represented by jasmine rice and basmati rice. A rice can only be called long-grain rice if the grains are longer than 6 mm.

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