Cauliflower Jollof Rice

Rice is a staple in most West African countries and in my native country, Nigeria, no party is complete without our national food, Jollof Rice. Jollof rice is a dish native to the western region of Africa.

It is made by cooking rice in a rich tomato and pepper broth, and traditional spices. You can add protein or vegetables to bulk it up but most of the time, these are omitted.

While it is true nothing can replicate the taste and texture of Jollof Rice, this cauliflower rice recipe is close enough to fool your taste buds and trick your brain into believing you’re having the real thing.

Ingredients used

• Cauliflower rice: If using raw cauliflower, follow these instructions to learn how to make your cauliflower rice from scratch.
• Vegetables: Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, onions, and habanero pepper. In Nigeria, we use scotch bonnet peppers but habanero pepper is the next best thing. These three vegetables give this keto jollof rice a rich flavor.
• Palm oil (or olive oil): I like to use palm oil because of the rich, traditional taste but olive oil will also work as well.
• Spices: Bouillon powder (or maggi cubes), black pepper, ground crayfish, and salt. Ground crayfish is a traditional African spice that gives a lovely umami flavor to this dish but you can omit it or use your favorite spice instead.

How to make Nigerian Jollof Rice (keto version)

• Blend the veggies, pour into a pot, and put on the stove on high heat for about 10 minutes. This will cause most of the liquid to evaporate and form a thicker sauce.
• In a separate skillet, pour in palm oil.
• If using fresh cauliflower rice, add half a cup of water or stock to soften up the rice. Omit if using frozen cauliflower rice.
• Cover the pot for a few minutes. The cauliflower rice will shrink in size and become more tender.

Recipe Video

Click on the image below to watch me make this recipe from start to finish on YouTube!

Tips when making this recipe

• If you need to make your cauliflower rice from scratch, this post will tell you all you need to know.
• If you want a softer texture, let the keto rice cook a bit longer. Leave for only a few minutes if you want a tougher, more chewy, texture.
• You can easily substitute cauliflower rice with miracle rice (konjac rice) in this recipe.

What to serve with this recipe

Keto jollof rice goes great with many meat dishes.

You can also top it up with some beef stew, chicken stew, or goat stew. I like to eat my keto rice with:

Need more cauliflower rice recipes? Try these!

Notes

• If you need to make your cauliflower rice from scratch, this post will tell you all you need to know.
• If you want a softer texture, let the keto rice cook a bit longer. Leave for only a few minutes if you want a tougher, more chewy, texture.
• You can easily substitute cauliflower rice with miracle rice (konjac rice) in this recipe.
• If you don’t like spicy food, add just a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili pepper.