Ghanaian Jollof Rice as Made by Tei Hammond

Add onions and 2 tablespoons of oil to a blender and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl.

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and habanero pepper to the blender, and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a separate medium bowl.

Heat the remaining ⅓ cup (80 ml) of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion purée and cook until the water has cooked out and the purée is starting to brown, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the tomato purée and add the curry powder, garlic powder, ginger, dried herbs, and crushed bouillon cubes. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew has reduced by half and is deep red in color.

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.

Enjoy!