Sierra Leonean jollof rice secret ingredient list
Every ingredient — quantities included — plus the ChopJollof-original secret that sets Sierra Leone jollof apart. Printable.
The complete Sierra Leonean 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 Sierra Leone.
At a glance
Sierra Leonean jollof rice secret ingredient list
- 500gLong-grain parboiled rice
- 4Fresh tomatoes
- 2Red bell peppers
- 3Scotch bonnet peppers
- 2Onions
- 2 tbspTomato paste
- 100mlVegetable oil
For the base fry.
- 1 tbspUnrefined red palm oiloften skipped
Added after base is fully reduced — not as the cooking fat, as a final flavour layer.
- 2 cubesMaggi or Knorr seasoning cubes
- 1 tspDried thyme
- 1 tspCurry powder
- 3Bay leaves
- 500mlChicken or meat stock
- 1 tbspPalm oil anchor — unrefined red palm oil added after base reduction, before stock★ chopjollof secret
The carotenoid compounds in palm oil behave differently when added late versus used as the cooking fat. Added after reduction, they retain their fruity fermented depth.
Sierra Leonean jollof rice with chicken — what changes
Sierra Leonean jollof with chicken: add the red palm oil after the base is built, just before the stock. Do not use palm oil as the cooking fat — use vegetable oil for the base and palm oil as a final flavour layer.
Sourcing ingredients in Sierra Leone
In Freetown markets, unrefined red palm oil is sold in bottles or by weight. Long-grain rice is the standard — not basmati.
Outside Sierra Leone, 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.
Sierra Leonean jollof rice secret ingredient list — chopjollof.com
Frequently asked
What is the secret ingredient in Sierra Leonean jollof rice?
The ChopJollof-original secret for Sierra Leone jollof is: Palm oil anchor — unrefined red palm oil added after base reduction, before stock. This is not a commonly published tip — it was developed through repeated testing by ChopJollof's kitchen team.
What are all the ingredients in Sierra Leonean jollof rice?
The main ingredients are: Long-grain parboiled rice, Fresh tomatoes, Red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, Onions, Tomato paste, Vegetable oil, Unrefined red palm oil, Maggi or Knorr seasoning cubes, Dried thyme, Curry powder, Bay leaves, Chicken or meat stock, Palm oil anchor — unrefined red palm oil added after base reduction, before stock.
How do I make Sierra Leonean jollof rice with chicken?
Sierra Leonean jollof with chicken: add the red palm oil after the base is built, just before the stock. Do not use palm oil as the cooking fat — use vegetable oil for the base and palm oil as a final flavour layer.
Where can I buy the ingredients for Sierra Leonean jollof rice in Sierra Leone?
In Freetown markets, unrefined red palm oil is sold in bottles or by weight. Long-grain rice is the standard — not basmati.
Can I print this Sierra Leonean 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. Sierra Leonean jollof rice secret ingredient list — chopjollof.com
How many people does this Sierra Leonean jollof rice recipe serve?
This list is calibrated for 6 servings. Scale all quantities proportionally for larger groups.
Other country lists
Every ChopJollof country has its own secret ingredient list.
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