West African “Jollof” Spiced Rice

This dish has its roots in West Africa, and is enjoyed throughout the region from Nigeria to Ghana. Each country has their own slightly unique way of cooking this spicy, tomato based classic. We hope you have fun creating our version using Tastic basmati rice and Instant Pot as a Rice maker!
 
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
 
Serves: 4-6
 
1 medium Fresh tomato
1 medium Bell pepper
1 small Onion
1-2 Red Chillies or 1 scotch bonnet 
 
2 cups Tastic Basmati Rice
⅓ cup Vegetable oil
1 cup pepper puree (above)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 onion sliced
2 Tsp curry powder
1 tsp ground ginger, or ½ tsp fresh ginger
1 tbsp dried mixed herbs
1 large fresh tomato sliced
2 small bay leaves
3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
 
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
 
Place the pepper sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until completely smooth. 
 
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté on “more”. Once hot, add your oil, sliced onions and tomato paste. Cook, stirring the onions constantly to prevent burning, until they soften, about 2-3 minutes. Once the onions are soft add one cup of pepper puree, ground ginger, curry powder, mixed herbs and bay leaves.
 
Fry the mixture while stirring for a further 2-3 minutes until the mixture darkens slightly.  Add a dash of water to stop any catching.
 
Add your stock, rinsed rice, garlic and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Give the mixture a good stir, while scraping any rice from the edges and bottom to prevent the rice settling. 
 
Secure the lid.  Cancel the Sauté setting, then select the Rice setting by pressing “Rice”. Select less, and the display will show 8 minutes. Ensure the pressure level is set to “high”. Cook the rice for 8 minutes, then perform a Quick Pressure Release. 
 
Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork then pile onto a serving platter. Serve alongside grilled chicken or any grilled meat you prefer.