Jollof rice and beans can be a very tricky dish to make. Unlike our good old jollof rice, it is not a favorite to many. Don’t despair yet, it can really be delicious if made properly. I would be sharing the two ways I make jollof rice and beans. That way you can decide which method you prefer.
Growing up, I wasn’t a big fan of jollof rice and beans so I can understand how many people are indifferent towards it. I actually prefer Rice and beans cooked separately and devoured with stew.
But Since this blog is all about showcasing African food with a partial focus on Nigerian food who am I not to present this dish that is a staple in most homes in Nigeria.
My policy is to try and find ways to make food delicious so if you are not a fan of a particular dish, please don’t give up until you try my version ???
The two methods for making this dish I would share with you today is different from the method I grew up with. When it comes to cooking everyone develops their own style and as life progresses armed with keen interest and practice, you can become an excellent cook even if you didn’t start out as one. Method one is more like a stewed version similar to jollof rice, while Method two is similar to the way I make my beans porridge. Here is the way I learnt to cook it while growing up, you start with the bean, cook with onions and seasoning till it’s almost done then add the rice and palm oil and let the rice cook in the beans. It tasted nice then but it still wasn’t my favorite. Because it could be a hit and miss.. lol Sometimes the rice would be too soggy or the beans would be too soggy too.
Like I said if you are passionate about cooking, with practice you can develop your own style. Because al dente is my thing, I don’t like mushy jollof rice and beans.
Cooking it either way I find keeps the rice and beans intact and doesn’t compromise flavour. In fact I would say it is rich in flavor because the seasoning comes in at the end. Just try and see. But please do tell…
Jollof rice and beans still isn’t my favorite to date but I enjoy it any time I make it. What is the joy of food if you don’t enjoy it and wish it doesn’t finish while you are eating it hahaha?
The two recipes would be below. Enjoy.
Chichi?
PIN FOR LATER

Jollof Rice and Beans.
Ingredients
- 1-1/4 Cup Black eyed peas or honey beans ( dirt removed, washed and drained)
- 1 Cup parboiled long grain rice (washed and drained)
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 2 small tomatoes
- 2 medium onions ( red one recommended)
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup cooking oil (not palm oil)
- salt or bouillon to taste
Instructions
- Place beans in a pot, add 8 cups of water and begin to cook. When beans has cooked for about 30 mins, add half of the chopped onions into the beans, then add bouillon powder to taste.
- Begin to cook rice in a separate pot. Cook till its done. Don't cook till it becomes mushy. it needs to be Al dente
- Blend bell pepper, tomatoes, habanero pepper and one onion and set aside
- In a saucepan heat up oil, stir in the remainder of chopped onions. Stir until softened and translucent.
- Pour in the blended pepper mix, cook till reduced in size. Takes about 45 mins. Turn off heat while you wait for the beans to get cooked
- When the beans is ready, mix the sauce, rice and beans together.
- Add in about a 1/4 cup of water stir in, taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly.
- Place pot over medium low heat and allow to simmer for about 2 minutes. then stir and turn off heat.Serve warm
Product of method 1
- This how this method looks
Product of method 2
- This is how this looks
Notes


It is hard to find a lot of authentic African recipes out there so I will excited to come across this one. You made the process of cooking the jollof rice and beans look easy!
Thanks for your kind words Vicky
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This looks like the ultimate comfort food. I love black eyes peas but don’t eat them often enough. Love this dish!
Thanks Jenni ?
SUCH a great recipe.
this looks so tasty!! i love simple meals that pack a huge flavour punch looks gorgeous!
Thanks Georgie ?
We are vegetarian, and always looking for new flavour combinations for rice and beans as we eat them a lot! This sounds delicious, thank you for the introduction to Nigerian cuisine!
You are welcome Courtney. Hope you give it a shot.
I’m Haitian so I eat rice in any way shape or form lol. That Jollof rice looks so good! Haven’t had Nigerian food but I would love to try it soon.
You would love Nigerian food. Thanks Laura
Omg. This looks amazing and delectable. I can’t wait to try this at home. I’m a fan of rice and anything with it, I will be a happy camper.
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This just made my dinner-list. Looks unbelievably tasty! I will try this in the near future 🙂
Thanks Nina
This is a beautiful spin on the normal rice and beans. We eat it a lot and variations are great to find.
I agree… ?
Omg the photographs look so mouth watering. Will definately try to make this at home.
Thanks Shaffi