Here’s how to make **authentic local Nigerian Jollof rice**—the kind that tastes like it came straight from a village kitchen, smoky and rich with native flavors! 🍚🔥

### 🛒 Ingredients

- 2 cups local rice (stone-free, if possible)

- 1 cup palm fruit extract (*banga juice*) or palm oil

- 1 medium smoked fish (e.g., Titus or catfish)

- Small pieces of cow skin (*kpomo*)

- 1 small onion (sliced)

- 2–3 fresh cayenne peppers (or to taste)

- 1 tablespoon ground crayfish

- 3 seasoning cubes

- Salt to taste

- Optional: scent leaves, *ehuru* (Calabash nutmeg), *ogiri* (fermented locust bean)

### 🍳 Preparation Steps

1. **Prepare the palm fruit extract**

- If using fresh palm fruit, boil, pound, and extract the juice. Strain to remove chaff.

- If using canned banga or palm oil, skip this step.

2. **Parboil the rice**

- Boil water, add rice, and cook for 5–7 minutes.

- Drain and rinse to remove excess starch.

3. **Make the flavor base**

- Blend cayenne pepper and crayfish coarsely.

- In a pot, heat the palm fruit extract or palm oil.

- Add sliced onions, blended pepper mix, and seasoning cubes.

- Stir and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.

4. **Add proteins and spices**

- Add smoked fish and *kpomo*.

- Sprinkle in ground *ehuru* and a pinch of *ogiri* if using.

- Simmer for another 5 minutes to infuse flavor.

5. **Cook the rice**

- Add the parboiled rice to the pot.

- Stir gently to combine with the sauce.

- Add just enough water to cook the rice (about 1½ cups).

- Cover with foil or banana leaves, then the pot lid, to trap steam.

- Cook on low heat until rice is soft and liquid is absorbed.

6. **Final touch**

- Add shredded scent leaves for aroma.

- Stir gently and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This dish pairs beautifully with fried plantains or a chilled drink. For a visual guide, check out [this video on Native Jollof Rice](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c31mxOub5w)—it’s short and packed with flavor tips!

Want to try a party-style version next or explore other local rice dishes like *concoction rice* or *ofada*? I’ve got you covered! send us a mail today