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One-pot oven Jollof rice

This recipe of One-pot Baked Chicken and Jollof Rice start on the stove and finishes cooking in the oven. This One-pot Baked Chicken and Jollof Rice is also a combination of west African and Indians of terrific aromatic, spices and flavors. The little thing that makes all the difference in this recipe is the fried anise, allspice pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon and cloves before adding the rice and well-seasoned chicken. This recipe of One-pot Baked Chicken and Jollof Rice is outrageously delicious!

One-pot Baked Chicken and Jollof Rice Secret: “fried anise, allspice pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon and cloves”

One-pot oven Jollof rice
One-pot oven Jollof rice

This One-pot Baked Chicken and Jollof Rice starts on the stove because frying the anise, allspice pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon and cloves ensure the best flavors possible in the most effective way. If your oil begins to smoke, it is too hot and should be either removed from the heat source or the heat source should be turned down. Once they become aromatic, add the onion and cook until the onion is softened. Then, continue to add your other ingredients as desired. When frying spices, it is extremely important to pay close attention to them. Even if a single spice burns, the whole batch will be tainted with that bitter, burned flavor. Stir the spices frequently and mind the heat.

How to perfectly season the baked chicken?

For this recipe of One-pot Baked Chicken and Jollof Rice, I use a whole chicken, but other part of the chicken can be used (like the thigh, leg or wing). You can never go wrong with my combination of spices (1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1 tablespoon garlic, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon curry, 1 teaspoon bouillon cube, Salt and pepper) because you get maximum depth of flavor for minimum number of spices. Plus, I always have these spices on hand.

How did I partially cook it on the stove?

By partially cooking the One-pot Baked Chicken and Jollof Rice on the stove to first bring out the maximum flavor out of the spices and also allows me to bring the liquid to a boil before putting it in the oven. The flavor is so much better because of the fried onion.

One-pot oven Jollof rice
One-pot oven Jollof rice

Why add the chicken over the rice?

I added the perfectly seasoned chicken over the rice because the dripping of the chicken add so much more flavor to the rice. The result is a mouthwatering baked chicken coated in a beautiful rub, baked on top of fluffy soft rice. Oven Baked Chicken and Rice all cooked together in one dish is possibly one of the MOST loved family favorite dinners on the planet. I know in my heart of hearts this will become your new favorite.

How to make One-pot Baked Chicken and Jollof Rice

Ingredients

For chicken

  • 1 Chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry
  • 1 teaspoon bouillon cube
  • Salt and pepper

For Rice

  • 1 anise 
  • 2 allspice pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cinnamon 
  • 2 cloves
  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Scotch bonnet chilli to taste (optional)
  • Vegetables: 1 eggplant, 1 zucchini, 1 Summer squash, 2 carrots 
  • 1 teaspoon bouillon cube
  • Salt and pepper
  • 400 g (14oz) rice
  • 925 ml (3.9 cups) warm water*

Instructions

Preheat oven to fan assisted 180C / 350F / gas 4.

Season the chicken with teaspoon paprika, turmeric, garlic, ginger, curry, bouillon cube, Salt and pepper and set aside.

Heat a frying pan with the oil over medium heat and add the anise, allspice pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon and cloves. Cook for a minute

Add and fry the onion for about 7 mins until soft.

Stir in the tomato purred and the tomato paste, cook for 5 minutes.

Add the water, vegetables (1 eggplant, 1 zucchini, 1 Summer squash, 2 carrots) and bring to a boil.

Mixing in the rice and mix until well.

Add a layer of aluminum foil and make small incisions. Add the chicken and cover (Make sure the cover is over safe) 

Transfer the Jollof rice mixture into the oven for about 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven stir and put back in the oven without the lid for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is soft and done.

When done take the rice out of the oven, fluff it and serve.

Serve hot

Tips to make perfect oven baked chicken and rice

  • For this recipe I recommend long jasmine rice. Basmati rice or Jasmine rice can be substituted with the same liquid ratio and cooking time. Please do not use short grain rice, medium grain rice, risotto, paella or minute rice.
  • If the rice cooks before the chicken, remove the rice from the oven, and transfer the chicken in an oven safe dish and put the chicken back in the oven.
  • For a better color on the chicken, it can be broiled for an extra 2-3 minutes just to get your chicken golden and browned with crisp edges, and an amazing buttery, crunchy crust on the top of your rice!
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Yassa liver

Yassa liver

  • 1 pounds of beef liver
  • 2 Large Onions Sliced
  • 4 cloves of garlic , minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 Tablespoon Chicken Bouillon
  • 2 Tablespoon mustard
  • Salt and pepper
  • ½ cup oil

Marinade  the liver with onions, mustard, ginger, minced garlic, bouillon, salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for 2 hours , preferably overnight

Fry the liver in the oil for 10 min or until you dont see any blood. 

Fry the onions with the marinade for about 5 minutes

Slice and transfer the diced liver in the cooked onion and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes

Remove from the heat and adjust for seasonings, adding salt and pepper to taste.

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Yassa fish and shrimp

Yassa fish and shrimp
2- 2 1/2 pounds fish skin (I added shrimp too
4 Large Onions Sliced
1 lemon juice
2 Tablespoons mustard
3 cloves of garlic minced
1 teaspoon ginger
½ cup oil
Salt and pepper
½ tablespoon chicken bouillon Maggie powder

Mix the onion, lemon juice, onions, grated garlic, ginger, oil and Maggie.

Douse the fish with the marinate and refrigerate for an hour or preferably overnight.

In large skillet heat oil over medium heat, until hot, add the fish, cook each side- for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and crispy on both sides. Remove fish and set aside. 

Heat a pan and fry the onions and marinate juice left over from the fish for about 5 minutes. Adjust for seasonings, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Place the fish back in the onions sauce.

Simmer for another 5-8 minutes until flavors come together,I served it with some baked and fried potatoes 

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Crispy Beef Empanadas

Crispy Beef Empanadas

  • 1 Cup All purpose flour / Maida
  • 1 ½ Tablespoon Clarified butter /Ghee
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1/3 Cup Water
  • 1 teaspoon oil
  • 1lb ground beef
  • 2 tablespoon garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 cube
  • 1/2 cup onion, bell pepper
  • Salt to taste

In a large mixing bowl, add flour and salt. Heat the ghee in a small pan and pour in the flour. This process is also called adding moyen. Mix ghee well with flour. It will become like bread crumb texture. Add water and knead the dough. Dough should be stiff. It took me 1/3 cup of water. When dough is kneaded, leave it on counter for at least 15 minutes to rest.

For the beef mixture, over medium-high heat up the oil and add ground beef, onion, belle pepper, garlic, ginger, cube and salt. and cook until browned.  Drain any fat if you want. Let it cool

Working with one ball at a time on a floured surface, roll dough out to a 1/8 of an inch thick. Ensure the dough does not stick to your floured surface by flipping it over and turning it occasionally while rolling.

Using a five-inch diameter bowl cut the dough into circles. Add a sheet of wax paper in-between each disc to prevent sticking.

Using one disc as a time add 2 tablespoons of ground meat to the center of the disc. Close and flatten. 

Fry empanadas until golden brown and bubbled on both sides, about 2 minutes, carefully flipping half way through. Make sure to not crowd the empanadas or the oil temperature will cool and they will be soggy and oily instead of crisp, crunchy and dry.

Garnish empanadas with finely chopped cilantro sprinkled on top and enjoy!

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Jollof Couscous

Jollof Couscous

Growing up my mom will rarely make Jollof couscous, I think she made it on New Year or birthdays. We will eat Jollof rice and Jollof spaghetti all year long but comes special occasion, my mom will make Yassa, pizza or Jollof couscous. I think that’s why that one of my favorite recipes.

The couscous is a North African dish and has the same texture as Attieke (a staple in Ivory Coast). The couscous is usually steamed in a “Couscousiere” several time until it’s is light and fluffy, not gummy or gritty. The traditional couscous is served with a spicy vegetable (carrots, potatoes, turnips…) stew with meat (lamb, goat, mutton, and sausages)… I also use the couscous to make this delicious dessert “Degue Couscous”.

For this recipe, I used the broth from boiled goat meat. I added the tomato, seasoning, and oil. I added the couscous which absorbs the flavors from the stew. The process is similar to the cooking of Jollof rice but the couscous cooks much faster.

  • 600g of couscous
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 fresh tomatoes
  • 1 cup frozen vegetable
  • 1 onion
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • Salt pepper
  • 1.5-liter meat broth
  • 1 cube
  • Salt

Heat the oil and add the onion, garlic, and ginger.

Add canned tomato and tomato puree

Cook for 5 minutes and add the meat broth, frozen vegetables, cube and salt to taste

Bring to a boil and add the grains of couscous to rain while stirring

Cook the couscous for 5 minutes and salt to taste.

Mix well and extinguish the fire. Cover tightly to Let the couscous absorb the water for 10 minutes

You can serve hot and sprinkle with a little sauce

Use a ratio of 1-1 / 2 cup of water to 1 cup of couscous. (Multiply as needed to obtain a larger volume.)

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Thiakry Couscous

Thiakry Couscous
The Thiakry (also called Degue, Chakery or Chakri) is a Senegalese dessert made with millet. This Thiakry couscous is a variable of that recipe. To be honest, I prefer the Thiakry couscous to the original Thiakry recipe.
For this recipe, I used an Original Plain Pearled Couscous. The grain of Pearled Couscous is bigger than the average couscous grain. The Thiakry couscous is consumed cold, as a dessert with sugar and ice. The couscous can be cooked with steam in a couscoussier but I chose a quicker way. I poured boiling water on the couscous, covered and made sure it was completely sealed. I let the couscous absorb all the water and warmed in the microwave for 10 mins until the couscous is fluffy and light.

The Thiakry Couscous consists of a quarter of sour cream, crème Fraiche plain yogurt and aromas like vanilla, cinnamon or nutmeg. I usually make my own plain yogurt. To make yogurt, I heat the milk is first heated, usually to about 85 °C (185 °F), allows the milk is allowed to cool to about 45 °C (113 °F) and mix it with plain yogurt. I keep it in a warm place for 4 to 12 hours to allow fermentation to occur.

  • 1 cup of couscous (For this recipe I used “Plain Beaded Couscous”)
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 cups of yogurt
  • 3 cups of milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (and nutmeg)

Add enough warm water to the couscous to cover the grains. Let the couscous absorb the water and put in the microwave for 3 min. When the grains are cooking, let cool.

As soon as the couscous is cold add the yoghurt, milk, sugar, vanilla extract and the nutmeg.

Mix well, chill and serve cold.

Click on the link for other Thiakry recipes “Yogurt Dèguè with rum raisin”, “Degue Milk”, “Yogurt Dèguè”. I think in the future, I am going to try to add other fruits like pineapples, dry cranberry… or dry apricot. This basic Thiakry Couscous recipe is simple and basic. It’s also a great vegetarian dessert.

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Recipe of braised Chimichurri Red snapper

Braised Chimichurri Red snapper

This colorful fresh, green and totally delicious chimichurri sauce doubles as a marinade and an accompaniment to steak, chicken and red snapper. This is a fun twist to braised red snapper. This recipe of braised red snapper is super tasty, traditional and incredibly easy to make. Chimichurri is garlicky sauce from Argentina. It’s flavorful and healthy!
The longer you season the meat, the tastier the red snapper. When stored properly in the refrigerator, the marinated fresh red snapper should be cooked within two days, up to three at most.

2 red snappers

½ cup finely chopped

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano

4 garlic cloves, crushed

½ cup finely diced

1 small red chili pepper 

1 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup of oil 

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Marinate the red snapper and refrigerate and is best if used within 24-48 hours.

  

Prepare the grill (medium-high heat).

Grill the fish until just cooked through, about 10 minutes per side (depending on thickness and size of fish)

or Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the red snapper until cooked through, about 45 minutes.

Serve hot

Tips:
It is a great idea to marinate the red snapper with the chimichurri the night before, or in the morning before you leave for work. Don’t know leave the marinated red snapper at room temperature for a long period of time. To cut down the clean use a re-sealable plastic bags, rather than in bowls or other containers. Also cover the marinated red snapper to avoid cross contamination. Never, use chimichurri marinade from raw red snapper as a sauce.

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Steamed Vermicelli

Steamed Vermicelli

Start by filling the base of a couscoussier at least halfway with salted water, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, enough to keep the water simmering rapidly.

Next, mix 3 tablespoons of oil into dry, broken vermicelli. Be sure all the strands are coated with oil.

1st Steaming of the Vermicelli

Transfer the oiled vermicelli to the steamer basket, and place atop the couscoussier. Allow to steam for at least 20 minutes, timing from when you see the steam rise from the vermicelli. Watch for the ends of the broken vermicelli to poke up. 

2nd Steaming of the Vermicelli

Turn the vermicelli out into a very large bowl. Break it apart, and mix in about 1 1/4 cups water and a teaspoon orange dye. The vermicelli should absorb most of it.

Put the vermicelli back into the steamer, and place it atop the couscoussier for the second steaming. Allow to steam again for 20 minutes, timing from when you see the steam rise through the vermicelli. Again, you’ll notice the ends of the vermicelli poking up.

 

3rd Steaming of the Vermicelli

Turn the vermicelli out into a large bowl, and break it apart. Stir 2 teaspoons of salt into 2 cups of water, and add this to the vermicelli, tossing to mix well.

Put the vermicelli back into the steamer, and steam for a third time for 20 minutes. Again, time the steaming from when the steam rises from the vermicelli, and watch for the ends to poke up.

Test the vermicelli. If you want it a little more tender, steam for a fourth or fifth time if needed 

Incredible Baked Lamb Shanks

2 lamb shanks

2 onion chopped

5 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp mustard
½ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup olive oil + more for drizzling;
3 tsp balsamic vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat your oven to 350 F.

Mix the garlic, mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

Add the diced onion at the bottom of the pan 

Add the lamb shanks and the seasoning 

 

Cover the roasting pan with foil, and roast in the oven 2 ½ hours.

Then remove the foil and Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast, uncovered, for about 35 minutes.

The lamb shanks are ready once the meat is falling off the bone.

Serve the Vermicelli with the Baked Lamb Shanks

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Okra Soup (FétriDessi)

Okra Soup
Okra Soup (FetriDessi) is one of the most popular and easy-to-prepare West African soups. The setup takes a lot of time. The okra needs to be washed and grated; the leaves (Gboma or Ogbono) needs to be washed and cut them roughly. Subsequently prepare the meat, smoked or dried fish and shellfish. Once the setup is finished, cooking is fast.
The Okra Soup can be prepared with mutton, beef, chicken or pork. Here is the step by step to cook the meat. For fish, we can use smoked Mackerel, fried tilapia, douevi … for crustaceans, we can use crab, octopus, crayfish, shrimp …
Okra is a rich source of dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins, as well as a low-calorie vegetable. Known in most West African countries as Okro and French speaking countries as gumbo. I used red oil for recipe. You can also cook the okra with tomato sauce or cook the okra dry.
Serve hot Okra soup with Makoume, Ewokoume, Ougali (Ugali), Ablo (ou Ablo simplified), Kenkey (ou Kenkey simplified), gari or rice.

Fétri dessi (Okra Soup)

  • ½ lbs chopped goat
  • 1/4 lbs beef skin
  • To season the meat
  • 1/2 sliced onion
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
  • 2 tablespoon garlic
  • 1 cube
  • 1 Bay leave
  • Salt to taste
  • 2½ cups of freshly chopped Okra
  • 10 fresh shrimps
  • 2 fresh crabs
  • 1 piece of salted fish (Lanhounhoun)
  • 5 Douèvi
  • 2 chopped Habanero peppers
  • 1 cup of palm oil
  • 2 tsp dry grounded pepper or chili flakes
  • 2 cup meat stock
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 cube
  • Salt to taste
  1. Mix the meat and the spices and add enough water to cover the meat. Cook until the meat is tender. PS the beef skin may cook faster that the goat meat, remove it and set aside.
  2. Fry the goat meat
  3. Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Add the baking soda.
  4. Then add the Okra, 1/2 onion + 1 piece of salted fish and the 1 cup meat stock.
  5. Mix together 1 cup meat stock with 1 tablespoon garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, 1 tablespoon paprika and 1 cube.
  6. Add the shrimp, crabs and the seasoning mixture.
  7. Add the hot pepper, Douèvi , beef skin and the goat meat and stir well.
  8. Let the soup cook uncovered for about 5-10minutes. Check for seasonings and add the palm oil.

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Grilled Lamb Kebabs & Semi Jollof

Grilled Lamb Kebabs & Semi Jollof

Grilled Lamb Kebabs

2 lbs. lamb chops

3 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne

2 tablespoon lemon Juice

1 teaspoon ground pepper

2 tablespoon parsley 

1 teaspoon salt

1 cube

If you are using a Wooden skewers, soaked in water 30+ minutes

Cut the meat into 1 inch cubes and place in a bowl.

Mix all the ingredients together and massage into the meat. Place the lamb/beef cubes onto the skewers.

Grill the skewers 15 minutes per side–turning once.

Preheat turbo oven to 392°F (200°C) Arrange the kebabs on the high grill rack and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning once after 3-5 minutes. Transfer oven cooked lamb kebabs to the round baking tray on the low grill rack.

2 colors jollof

750 gms basmati rice soaked for half an hour

1/2 cup oil

2 onions finely sliced

2 tbsp ginger garlic paste

2 tomatoes finely blended

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp red chili powder

2 tsp coriander powder

1 cube

1 cup peas

salt to taste

To cook the rice perfectly, bring the water to a boil, add rice. When the water starts boiling again, cook for another 5 minutes. This absolutely depends upon the quality of the rice. When you press the rice between your fingers, it shouldn’t feel like a grain or feel cooked. It is somewhere in between. It is half grainy. Drain out the excess water immediately

Heat oil in a large pan and  add onions and fry till golden brown.

Add the ginger garlic paste and saute for another 30 secs. Add the red chili powder, coriander powder, salt, tomato and cube. Add 1/2 cup water and Cook for 5 mins.

Add rice and Do not mix. Add the sweet peas

Cover with foil and close the lid. The foil do not let the steam escape on low heat for 15 minutes. 

 

Serve the rice with the kebab