Ghanaian jollof rice secret ingredient list
Every ingredient — quantities included — plus the ChopJollof-original secret that sets Ghana jollof apart. Printable.
The complete Ghanaian jollof rice secret ingredient list for 6 servings. Includes all standard ingredients with exact quantities, the ChopJollof-coined secret (not found in any published recipe), chicken variation notes, and where to source ingredients locally in Ghana.
At a glance
Ghanaian jollof rice secret ingredient list
- 500gBasmati rice
The Ghanaian signature. Long-grain aromatic — not parboiled.
- 4 mediumFresh tomatoes
Blended.
- 2Red bell peppers
Tatashe equivalent.
- 2Scotch bonnet peppers
Lower quantity than Nigerian — warm spice does more of the flavour work.
- 2 mediumWhite onions
- 2 tbspTomato paste
Double-fry in oil first.
- 100mlVegetable oil
For the base.
- 2 tbspUnsalted butter
Browned at the end and folded into the cooked rice.
- 500mlChicken stock
- 2 cubesMaggi or Knorr seasoning cubes
- ½ tspFreshly grated nutmegoften skipped
The Ghanaian signature spice. Not powdered — fresh.
- 1 stickCinnamonoften skipped
Added to the base, removed before serving.
- 3Clovesoften skipped
- 1 tspDried thyme
- 3Bay leaves
- 20 minThe saffron soak — 2 strands of saffron dissolved in warm water, used to soak basmati before cooking★ chopjollof secret
Soak the washed basmati in warm saffron water for 20 minutes before draining and cooking. The aromatic compounds prime every grain before the base even begins.
Ghanaian jollof rice with chicken — what changes
Ghanaian jollof with chicken uses the chicken stock in the rice AND the browned butter finish at the end. Brown the butter with the chicken skin fragments for an extra aromatic layer.
Sourcing ingredients in Ghana
In Ghana, basmati is the default rice — it is sold at every market. Nutmeg and cinnamon sticks are common in Kumasi and Accra markets alongside the standard spices.
Outside Ghana, most of these ingredients are available at West African, Caribbean, or international grocery stores. Online suppliers ship niche items like netetou, crayfish, and specialty peppers worldwide.
Ghanaian jollof rice secret ingredient list — chopjollof.com
Frequently asked
What is the secret ingredient in Ghanaian jollof rice?
The ChopJollof-original secret for Ghana jollof is: The saffron soak — 2 strands of saffron dissolved in warm water, used to soak basmati before cooking. This is not a commonly published tip — it was developed through repeated testing by ChopJollof's kitchen team.
What are all the ingredients in Ghanaian jollof rice?
The main ingredients are: Basmati rice, Fresh tomatoes, Red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, White onions, Tomato paste, Vegetable oil, Unsalted butter, Chicken stock, Maggi or Knorr seasoning cubes, Freshly grated nutmeg, Cinnamon, Cloves, Dried thyme, Bay leaves, The saffron soak — 2 strands of saffron dissolved in warm water, used to soak basmati before cooking.
How do I make Ghanaian jollof rice with chicken?
Ghanaian jollof with chicken uses the chicken stock in the rice AND the browned butter finish at the end. Brown the butter with the chicken skin fragments for an extra aromatic layer.
Where can I buy the ingredients for Ghanaian jollof rice in Ghana?
In Ghana, basmati is the default rice — it is sold at every market. Nutmeg and cinnamon sticks are common in Kumasi and Accra markets alongside the standard spices.
Can I print this Ghanaian jollof rice ingredient list as a PDF?
Yes. Use your browser's print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) and select "Save as PDF." The list is formatted to print cleanly on A4 or Letter paper. Ghanaian jollof rice secret ingredient list — chopjollof.com
How many people does this Ghanaian jollof rice recipe serve?
This list is calibrated for 6 servings. For 20+, use 2kg basmati and 600ml of spiced butter instead of 100ml. The spice ratio stays the same.
Other country lists
Every ChopJollof country has its own secret ingredient list.
Browse all 22 country lists