Zimbabwean jollof rice secret ingredient list
Every ingredient — quantities included — plus the ChopJollof-original secret that sets Zimbabwe jollof apart. Printable.

The complete Zimbabwean 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 Zimbabwe.
At a glance
Zimbabwean jollof rice secret ingredient list
- 500gLong-grain rice
- 4Fresh tomatoes
- 2Red bell peppers
- 2Scotch bonnet peppers
- 2Onions
- 2 tbspTomato paste
- 100mlVegetable oil
- 480mlChicken stock
- 2 tbspTraditional maheu (fermented maize drink, non-alcoholic)★ chopjollof secret
Or substitute: 1 tbsp plain yogurt thinned with 1 tbsp water. Added to the stock — not the base. Lactic acid moderates tomato acidity below perception threshold but above amplification threshold.
- 2 cubesKnorr or Maggi seasoning cubes
- 1 tspDried thyme
- 3Bay leaves
Zimbabwean jollof rice with chicken — what changes
Zimbabwean jollof with chicken: the maheu lactic acid softener pairs well with chicken — the lactic acid moderates the tomato acidity in a way that makes the chicken stock's glutamates more prominent.
Sourcing ingredients in Zimbabwe
In Harare, maheu is sold at supermarkets and street stalls — it is a common daily drink. Long-grain rice is widely available.
Outside Zimbabwe, 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.
Zimbabwean jollof rice secret ingredient list — chopjollof.com
Frequently asked
What is the secret ingredient in Zimbabwean jollof rice?
The ChopJollof-original secret for Zimbabwe jollof is: a proprietary technique developed through testing. This is not a commonly published tip — it was developed through repeated testing by ChopJollof's kitchen team.
What are all the ingredients in Zimbabwean jollof rice?
The main ingredients are: Long-grain rice, Fresh tomatoes, Red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, Onions, Tomato paste, Vegetable oil, Chicken stock, Traditional maheu (fermented maize drink, non-alcoholic), Knorr or Maggi seasoning cubes, Dried thyme, Bay leaves.
How do I make Zimbabwean jollof rice with chicken?
Zimbabwean jollof with chicken: the maheu lactic acid softener pairs well with chicken — the lactic acid moderates the tomato acidity in a way that makes the chicken stock's glutamates more prominent.
Where can I buy the ingredients for Zimbabwean jollof rice in Zimbabwe?
In Harare, maheu is sold at supermarkets and street stalls — it is a common daily drink. Long-grain rice is widely available.
Can I print this Zimbabwean 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. Zimbabwean jollof rice secret ingredient list — chopjollof.com
How many people does this Zimbabwean 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.
Browse all 22 country lists