Category: Grocery store

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COVID-19: Food delivery is an essential service, but is it safe?

COVID-19: Food delivery is an essential service, but is it safe?

The COVID-19 scenario has given e-commerce platforms the boost that they needed. People are avoiding going to the markets to buy their groceries and are practicing social distancing. It is no wonder that online grocery shopping is fast, efficient, and convenient, so it has become an essential service for the residents. 

Doorstep delivery by startups has ensured that people don’t need to step out of the house to buy supplies. The South African government imposed some of the strictest lockdowns, which is why food delivery services were quick to gain popularity. Understandably, people are concerned about the safety of food deliveries. Whether or not they should be ordering food or groceries from outside is a question that has left everyone in a dilemma. In this article, we’ll decode how safe it is to order food online.

The fast spread of the virus has put our lives on a halt and has affected several communities and businesses of a countless number of people. Startups and residents are trying to curb the spread of the virus by following physical distancing and wearing protective equipment. Online grocery shopping seems like the knight in shining armor during these times. If individuals keep safety measures in mind, they can quickly get their essential items from e-commerce platforms. The pandemic would have left millions of Africans struggling to have access to necessary supplies, had these services not been available. 

Online Payments: No Human-To-Human Interaction

While most grocery stores and shops are closed, individuals are happy to find these same shops go online. The Motley Fool claims that the sales of the popular e-commerce website, Amazon have gone up by 29%. Online shopping can help minimize the spread of the virus. Several sites have already discontinued cash payments, requiring customers to pay for their orders online through various payment methods. By replacing traditional modes of payment, startups ensure the personal safety of delivery agents and customers while reducing the chances of transmitting the virus.  Public health organizations are making recommendations and issuing guidelines to businesses to ensure the optimal protection of the staff and customers.

Offline grocery stores, eateries, cafes, and supermarkets, among other public areas are potential breeding grounds for the coronavirus. The high-risk factor coupled with the need for essential items like food, medicines, healthcare supplies, etc. have made online shopping the ideal choice for people. Several online payment options are available for consumers. 

No Contact is Essential!

Keeping the current scenario in mind, Jumia, which is the largest e-commerce website in Africa, has a contactless delivery policy. In such cases, the delivery agent usually places the order on the customer’s doorstep. This keeps the customers, delivery agents, and retailers safe from the spread of the virus. 

On the other hand, Nedbank has also launched its app by the name of ‘Avo.’ The company claims that the app will be a place where consumers can access all sorts of services and indulge in shopping. Given the current scenario, it provides consumers with a virtual e-commerce platform where they can purchase essential items and make secure payments easily through the app. Before the lockdown was imposed, people had to line up in queues to visit stores and it was really inconvenient for them.

Likewise, other platforms across the country provide customers with reliable services by offering them items without physical contact and cash exchange. As instructed by authorities, delivery agents call the customer beforehand or drop them a text. They then place the package on their doorstep and wait for the customer to receive it while standing a safe distance away. Strict hygiene practices are ensured, and companies check the overall health of the employees every day. 

Benjamin Chapman, who teaches at North Carolina State University, believes that food packaging hasn’t been identified as a potential transmitter of the virus until now. So, the chances of contracting the virus through food remain low. Consumers can lower the risks by using a sanitizer and washing their hands often. This may help to break the progression of the coronavirus. 

These food delivery services by startups are safe and secure since packages are usually sanitized, and strict hygiene measures are in place. These online websites and applications allow people who live in remote areas of the country to order items directly without going out. They have become an ideal alternative and a reliable means of buying essentials. They allow sellers and vendors to have a broader audience while reducing physical contact. The contactless delivery option is the perfect measure, which would have otherwise left people around the globe without a source of income. 

Likewise, local bus firms in Leicester have been equipped with measures to accept online payments. Soon passengers will be able to travel to and from the place without having to pay cash. It is a necessary and crucial measure that will keep passengers and other staff safe. While eateries are still open in the UK and other neighboring countries, customers aren’t allowed to dine in. Takeaway facilities are available. 

The staff in restaurants and eateries ensure to practice hygiene in the workplace and wear protective gear to keep themselves safe and avoid coming in contact with the food items. The delivery agents are instructed to practice hygiene and wear protective equipment. They are trained and made aware by authorities regarding the protocols and measures set by the World Health Organization. Some restaurants have hand sanitizing stations where delivery agents can sanitize their hands before and after delivery. If the food handler follows proper precautions and safety measures, and the exposure is kept to a minimum, online food ordering can be a safe option.  

Things To Keep In Mind

Contactless food delivery doesn’t pose the risks that other interactions do; however, it must be ensured that the food handler and delivery agent are healthy and follow safety precautions. 

If you choose to make payments by a card, make sure to wipe it with alcohol before and after use. Takeaways and cooked meals can be reheated before consumption. Additionally, washing raw vegetables and fruits and sanitizing packets and cans to ensure that they are clean and hygienic is recommended. Always maintain a safe distance while receiving a package, and be sure to check if the delivery agent is wearing proper protective gear. You must order groceries and food from places that are familiar to you. Packaged foods might be safe, but it is still better to sanitize them.

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Monthly Grocery List to Save Your Time and Money

Monthly Grocery List to Save Your Time and Money - Now Now Express

Shopping can be a challenging task, especially if you keep spending more than your monthly budget. Most people end up going to the grocery store every week. It can be extremely frustrating to go out when you’ve got dozens of chores at home. A lot of us end up picking up things that they don’t need. I think we’re all guilty of buying fancy snacks that look good only on the wrapper. Plus, time is a luxury, and people end up spending a majority of it trying to think of all the things that they need. To add to the nightmare, sometimes, they end up forgetting to pick up essential items. 

Well, fret not! A monthly grocery list comes to your rescue. It is a great way to turn things around, and it is a lot easier than it sounds. With some preplanning, you can save several trips to the grocery stores and save time and money. Keep reading to know how you can sail through the month by making a list. 

How Is Shopping Once A Month Beneficial?

Shopping once a month can help you save a significant chunk of your time and money. It can be beneficial for those on a budget and want to stay within a specific price range. It can help you avoid picking up unnecessary things and reduce food wastage. It requires some preplanning, discipline, and, most of all, self-control. 

People think that shopping once a month would deprive them of their favorite foods, and they’ll have to munch on leftovers and ready-to-cook meals for the last week of the month. But that’s not true at all. You can have healthy and nutritious meals and eat fresh food throughout the month. You can do this by stocking up on crucial things which may include milk, vegetables, fruits, canned foods, flours, rice, and other essential items. Buying in bulk can help you save money since certain items are priced at cheaper rates if they’re bought in large quantities, and since you won’t run out of these essential items, you’ll save plenty of time too! 

Delivering Ethnic Nigerian food to Nigeria on NowNowExpress for sending groceries to Nigeria

Map It Out And Know Your Goals

While you don’t necessarily have to pre-plan your meals, you need to know how much of every ingredient you need in a month. You can do that by multiplying your weekly groceries by 4. How much salt would you need in a month? Write it down. Likewise, make a list of all the items that you need. These items should be staples or things that you consume regularly. 

You can consume fresh vegetables during the first two weeks and then move on to the canned, frozen goods. This way, you won’t be depriving your body of any nutrients. 

You can also find substitutes for things that you frequently need. For instance, you can use powdered milk instead of buying milk every day. You need to include foods with a longer shelf life so that you can avoid another trip to the grocery store. Your goal should be to buy cheaper fares without compromising on quality. 

Learn More About Shelf Life

Some items can last for weeks, while some will go bad in a few days. Knowing how long each of them lasts is imperative. You must also know how to store each item in such a way that it stays fresh while its nutritive value isn’t compromised. You can start by dividing your grocery list roughly into three categories. 

Freezer Friendly and Canned Foods:

Some vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn can stay fresh in the freezer for months. People usually assume that freezing food would make it lose its nutritional value, but that isn’t true. Canned tomatoes, peaches, pineapples, etc. taste as good as fresh ones. Canned tomatoes are perfect for quick gravies and curries. 

Since these foods can stay good for a month (and even more in some cases), you can keep a stock of them and use them during the last two weeks of the month. Meat can be kept in the freezer, and it would stay good for a long time. Simply take it out an hour or two before you want to cook it. Fresh milk can be frozen too, but it might taste different and have a different texture later. These foods also cost less than fresh fruits and vegetables, so it’s better to stock up on them to have more variety and to save some extra cash. 

Packed Foods:

Flours, legumes, rice, pasta, spices, herbs, and other dry essential items can stay good for a long time. Although, in some seasons, you need to be careful with flours as they may be infested with insects. Make sure to store everything in air-tight containers. This keeps the food secure and safe from pests and insects. 

Fresh Fruits And Vegetables:

There are certain fruits and vegetables which can stay good for weeks, and knowing their shelf life can help you pre-plan your meals. For example, potatoes can be kept at room temperature for around 2-3 weeks, while Apples will stay nice in the fridge for about 4-8 weeks! Capsicums, leafy vegetables, string beans, cucumbers, and broccoli will remain fresh in the refrigerator for about 1-2 weeks. Garlic is a handy ingredient that can stay perfect for months at room temperature.

Stay Within Your Budget And Save Money: Ka-ching!

Set up a monthly budget and set aside an amount that you would require for your groceries and other essentials. You may even find out that you’re spending more than your budget. In such a case, you need to reduce the amount you’re spending. You can do this by buying generic items. Always make the most of the sales in your vicinity and stock items that won’t go bad anytime soon.

When you buy in bulk, you’ll save a significant amount of money. A 10kg bag of flour would cost way less than say, a 2kg bag. You’ll also be saving on the amount that you would’ve spent to go to the grocery store. If there are cheaper and healthier alternatives to the things that you regularly eat, make sure to switch over to them. 

Sometimes stores have aisles and counters where you can buy trial packs or travel-sized items. These can be handy if you’re going on a trip. Since you’ll be buying mindfully, there’s no fear of food items going bad.

PRO TIP: Always have a wholesome snack before you step out to shop. This will help curb any hunger pangs you have, and you won’t spend money because of a craving. Those pickles might look nice in the jar, but you don’t need them in your kitchen right now. 

Do’s and Don’ts Of Grocery Shopping

If it’s your first time making a monthly grocery list, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed and add in things that you don’t need. Make sure that you only include items that you are likely to cook throughout the month. You can also allocate a certain amount of money per head and buy your groceries accordingly. For example, if you only want to spend 20$ per person in a month, you will have to pre-plan your meals accordingly. 

Ensure to include nutritious and healthy foods. It can be tempting to grab a jumbo bag of potato chips, but you must refrain from adding unnecessary items to your cart. Avoid going to the market as much as possible, since you may reach out for expensive items that you don’t require. For extra savings, keep an eye on the discount codes in flyers and brochures that are often sent in the mail.

A major mistake that most people do is that they end up buying too much of one thing and not enough of another. Make sure that you add enough of each category so that you’re on a balanced diet. Don’t panic if you run out of groceries in the first few weeks; it only means that you may have estimated the food requirements incorrectly. It gives you a chance to correct your shopping list for the next month. Also, be sure to stick to your list. Always ask yourself one question: Do I want it, or do I need it?

You can’t fit in everything in the fridge, so make sure that you don’t overspend on frozen or canned foods. Storage space should be one of your primary concerns. Always store extra supplies in a clean, dry area. Keep your kitchen counters clean and store essential items in cabinets. Think about it this way: you have a pantry, a fridge, and a freezer. Divide your supplies between these three, according to their shelf life. It would be inconvenient to have stacks of essentials lined on your kitchen counter. Make space for new supplies by throwing away any expired ones. Consume the things that are likely to go stale first. 

Clean your fridge and your cabinets a day before your shopping trip so that you have enough space to keep your essential items. Shop only as much as the space you have. It will help you keep things organized. You may have to go to the grocery store more than once. Even if you’re going to the store a lot less than you usually do, it’ll be worth the benefits you garner. 

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Tips for Grocery Shopping During Coronavirus Pandemic

Tips for Grocery Shopping During Coronavirus Pandemic - Now Now Express

During the current scenario, grocery shopping can almost be like fighting for survival. With people fighting over the last bag of rice at grocery stores and websites running out of supplies every minute, it can be quite hectic to find the essential items that you require. It can be overwhelming to check websites every few seconds to see if grocery items are back in stock. It can be a whole different story if you’re searching for groceries in a supermarket. 

You may come across empty aisles or a shortage of supplies. Whether you’re struggling to order groceries for yourself or if you want to send food to Nigeria to your loved ones, you need to find smart ways to indulge in grocery shopping. In times like these, it’s crucial that you are ready to use some tips and tricks to take your shopping game up a notch. Keep reading to familiarize yourself with these simple tips.

Make a List For Grocery Shopping

Make a list of all the groceries that you require. Do this way ahead of time. Keep an eye on the supplies that you have in your pantry. If you’re running out of rice, plan and add it to your cart. This way, your order would arrive before your stock is over. It is essential to know which items are a staple in your kitchen. In Nigeria, parboiled rice, beef, spices, herbs, etc. are commonly used in the kitchen. Ascertain the amount of rice, flour, vegetables, fruits, and other essential items that you’re going to need in the next month and order accordingly. Some websites give advantage to specific payment methods. Go for those methods for extra savings. 

Be careful not to go on a buying binge. The internet is perpetually teeming with alluring things. Don’t fall for something that isn’t needed. Just think you have a fixed budget and find and buy only that for which you opened that website. Maintaining a list will help you to stay under your budget. But what you only need, not too much nor too little. No matter how great the discount. There might be others who need it more than you!

Add A Tip

At times like these, everyone is struggling to make a living. So, if you’re someone who can afford to give a tip to the delivery agents, make sure to do so. This will help the community, and the delivery agent might deliver your orders earlier than usual if he regularly delivers supplies in your area. It can help you maintain a good relationship with the delivery agents. Online transactions are the need of the hour, so be sure to keep the cash exchange minimal. Always make payments online or find alternative ways to pay for your order. 

Some websites allow you to pay a specific amount for tipping online. Cash exchange may only promote the transmission of the virus and increase the risk of catching it. 

Timing Matters!

If you’re going out to shop in a supermarket, make sure that you head out earlier during the day or times when the supermarket is more likely to be less crowded. This way, you will save plenty of time and also be able to grab fresh groceries. Timing is imperative even if you’re ordering online. Several stores open up their delivery slots at odd hours, so if you happen to be up during the early hours of the day, you may score a suitable timing slot. Slots are usually unavailable when there’s a high demand for supplies. You’ll be able to notice a sort of pattern once you start ordering regularly. Don’t wait until the last minute to order items. 

Check whether the delivery date is suitable. Sometimes websites and applications may show delivery dates that are weeks away. Make sure that you have enough supplies that will last you until then. 

Order In Bulk

Grocery shopping in bulk can be beneficial, especially if you have a big family. Packaged, canned, or dry foods can be ordered in a larger quantity. Such items are less likely to go stale, and so there are minimal chances of food wastage. Flours like bean flour, yam flour, rice flour, etc. are popularly used in Nigeria. You can order them in bulk to save money. Sometimes you may find free items with certain products if you buy them in bulk. Make the most of such offers. 

You can also look for substitutes for fresh items that can be stocked up. For instance, raw milk may go bad in a few days, but milk powder is an ideal alternative that you can stack in your pantry. Likewise, you can replace fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes and freeze vegetables, which will stay fresh in the freezer. 

Find Food Distributors In Your Area

If you can’t find essential items on websites, apps, or local supermarkets, you can try to get in touch with distributors who provide local eateries and restaurants with supplies. You may even get amazing discounts or lower prices. You can ask restaurant owners to give you numbers or distributors in your area. You will be able to get fresh vegetables and fruits. If you live near a rural area, you can ask vendors or local farmers to give you extras. 

Some distributors may even require you to visit their warehouses or inventory facilities to buy essential items. 

Indicate If You’re Running Low On Supplies

Some websites have a ‘notes’ section under your orders, where you can specify if you have specific requirements. Be sure to let the grocers know that you’re going to be running out of supplies soon so that they can prioritize your order. Likewise, you can let your local grocery store know that you’re in need of essential items. Many websites display if certain items are low in stock or out of stock. You can also add a note and notify the grocers if some item in your order is ‘high priority’ and is needed on an urgent basis. 

Stay Updated

Discounts and deals can always be found in flyers. If you see offers on items, make sure to grab them. If you’re buying products whose prices are subject to change (for example, veggies or fruits), then, if possible, try to understand what price they are selling in your vicinity or your locality. Some supermarkets may charge extra for things that are available for much lower prices elsewhere. Staying updated about the pricing will help you save some extra cash. 

Find Grocery Pickup Services 

Street or curbside pickup services are gaining popularity like never before. The chances are that there might be services that deliver groceries to your curb or a parking lot. Sam’s club by Walmart is a popular service that offers curbside pickup in the US. These may be a lot safer than getting groceries delivered to your doorstep. Generally, they have several time slots that open up often. Add items to your cart and wait for the slots to be available. 

Always receive packages while staying a meter away from the delivery agent. Be sure to check whether the delivery agent is wearing gloves and a mask. Likewise, make sure always to receive packages while wearing a mask and gloves. 

As notified by authorities, public libraries in the US can offer curbside pickup service s so make sure that you find out about services provided in your area. 

Try Your Local Pharmacy

If your local supermarket and grocery stores have run out of supplies and it’s impossible to find them online, you may try to look for items at your local pharmacy. You will be surprised to know that pharmacists keep a stock of your essential daily needs. Toiletries and bathroom essentials can be easily found. If you’re lucky enough, you may find fresh eggs or other items. 

PRO TIP: If you see that your favorite brands have run out of stock, make sure to look for substitutes. If alternative options are available, snag them right away. There may be generic items that are much cheaper than branded ones and offer much better quality. Do consider switching to these during your grocery shopping. 

Stay In Touch With The Locals

Sometimes the locals in your area may know where you can find the best-priced supplies. Unfortunately, with physical distancing measures in place, you can’t meet your friends for a coffee and discuss the prices of local commodities. It’s best to join groups on social media platforms to stay informed. You can also stay connected with the local grocers to know when the new stocks of supplies will be coming in. Some websites in Nigeria, like Now Now Express, will help you find the best offers and deals on supplies. 

Lastly, make sure to wash your fruits and vegetables, sanitize your packaged items, and keep everything squeaky clean. These handy tips and tricks will help make your grocery shopping more comfortable than ever. Getting items delivered to your doorstep has never been more accessible. 

Whether you’re running from one store to another to find your essential supplies or if you want to have groceries delivered in Nigeria, Now Now Express will save you from the crowds at the supermarkets! Plus you’ll get to save a significant chunk of money. 

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Top 13 Essential Nigerian Food Ingredients

Top 13 Essential Nigerian Food Ingredients - now now express

Cooked to perfection with spices and brimming with delicious sauces, that’s the ultimate comfort food in Nigeria. Nigerian cuisine is a culinary delight that never fails to satisfy your palate. The fact that it is so homely and so comforting just adds to the entire experience. It has several delicacies, all of which, besides being finger-licking good, are made with delicate herbs and spices. The aroma that lingers in the air will make you drool while the flavors bursting in your mouth will tantalize your taste buds. 

If you are on a mission to find the freshest produce for your loved ones and get groceries delivered in Nigeria or want to order groceries to whip up a Nigerian stew, Now Now Express is an ideal place where your quest can end. But before that, you must acquaint yourself with these simple, yet flavorful ingredients that swear to take any dish up a notch. Since Nigeria has around three hundred tribes, each tribe features unique dishes, but some ingredients are common to most Nigerian recipes. Here is a list of the top 13 essential Nigerian food ingredients that you must have in your pantry. Check them out!

1. Rock Salt: 

Rock Salt is a pretty common ingredient that works well as a tenderizer. It works by making the meat really succulent, tender, and juicy while retaining the lovely flavors. Apart from being a handy ingredient, rock salt also has several health benefits. It improves the digestion and boosts the metabolism. One may even sprinkle it on some beets or bananas for some extra taste.

2. Herbs: 

There are a handful of herbs that are a part of Nigerian cuisine. Thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano, and Yoruba Efirin are some of the herbs which are frequently used as a seasoning for different kinds of meats. You can add these to stews and soups and make them more flavorful.

3. Spices:

Herbs and spices go hand in hand in Nigerian food. Nutmeg, bay leaves, turmeric, suya spice, paprika, etc. are commonly used in the dishes. Nigerians definitely like their food spicy, so every meal hits you at a different spot. Isi Ewu, Suya, Asun, and Kilishi are some of the spiciest delicacies you should not miss.

4. Onions:

Onions are often used as a base for several stews and soups. It adds a unique flavor to the dishes while also adding to the nutritive value. Plenty of traditional recipes call for caramelized onions. Fry them or caramelize them, they taste delicious whichever way you make them. In some meals, you can even use spring onions for a refreshing touch. 

5. Flours

Flours, especially Cassava flour and Yam flour, are widely used in Nigerian cooking. Moin-Moin, Chin Chin, Amala, and Tuwon Garin Shinkafa are recipes that call for diverse kinds of flour. Nigerian meat pie can be a perfect choice if you want to make something mouthwatering and fulfilling. Plantain flour, beans flour, and rice flour are some variants of flour that can be used to create delectable dishes. 

6. Stock Cubes

Stock cubes are a handy ingredient that you can simply toss in soups or any other dish. What makes them so unique is the fact that they are versatile and easy to use. Stock cubes are essentially solid, savory cubes of meat broth or vegetable broth that add a yummy flavor to any dish. They can be added to gravies, soups, stews, sauces – basically, any recipe that requires this savory goodness. 

7. Yams

Yams are a staple in African countries, and rightly so, plenty of Nigerian recipes call for this nutrient-laden ingredient. In fact, you can successfully incorporate this ingredient in almost any dish or even have it as a side dish. Pounded yam is easy to make, and it goes excellently with soups. 

8. Pepper

This one is a common ingredient in Nigeria and one of the most crucial components of traditional Nigerian pepper soup. Alligator pepper that is also known as grains of paradise, has an alligator-like skin, which is where it got its name. It is used to add a lovely aroma and a hint of spice. Notes of this ingredient can be recognized in many soup recipes.  

9. Plantains 

While plantains are members of the banana family, they are higher in starch and lower in sugar. Unlike bananas, they retain their shape during cooking. They are served with Jollof Rice and are sometimes added to stews for more flavor. Dodo or fried plantains are also a sumptuous snack 

10. Crayfish

Dried crayfish powder is added to a bunch of dishes to have a kick of flavor. It is used as a seasoning, and it adds the authentic traditional taste to soups and gravies. If you’re new to Nigerian cooing, you can experiment with this unique ingredient by adding it to fried rice. 

11. Palm Oil

Palm oil is a staple that is used in several recipes in Nigerian food. Toss it in stews or add it to Abacha (African salad). Palm oil is extremely versatile and can be added to almost any dish. Palm oil Jollof rice is a hearty, family meal that you can whip up with a handful of ingredients. 

12. Beef 

Nigerians love their beef, and it is a critical ingredient in a lot of flavorful recipes. It is added to stews for that meaty flavor and extra protein, plus it is loaded with nutrients. The Nigerian beef stew is a wholesome and inviting delicacy that goes well rice and fried plantains. 

13. Parboiled Rice:

Parboiled rice can be used in any rice recipe. They are pre-cooked rice, which is comparatively healthier than regular white rice. What makes them great is that they are convenient and can be added instantly without much preparation. To add to that, they also absorb sauces or other ingredients without any fuss, resulting in a flavorful and delicious treat. 

These were some popular ingredients that are widely used in Nigerian food. Find these ingredients on Now Now Express and easily send food to Nigeria while sitting anywhere in the world. You must consider including them in your meals to add more flavor and texture to them. The Nigerian cuisine is loaded with intensely flavored gravies and sauces, traditional herbs, and plenty of spices, and it will surely leave you amazed. 

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How to cook Nigerian Jollof Rice – The Best Nigerian Rice Recipe

jollof-rice

Cooking is an art. I am sure; nobody will ever oppose this statement.  The making of delicious food is not easy. It requires patience, and you need to be aware of how to do things correctly. I am sure at least once all of us have tried to make a dish or some food. And also I am sure it is one of the beautiful memories you relish. The fact for some of you it is a bad dream to forget! Since cooking is an art,  to become an artist, you need a perfect guide. Well, why do you think we are here? We are going to teach you how to prepare traditional Nigerian Jollof rice.

Nigerian Jollof Rice

Without the Jollof Rice, we Nigerians won’t consider anything as the celebration, isn’t it? I know with the mention of this dish you are getting water on the mouth. Jollof rice is just like burgers in the USA. All African people enjoy eating this, but the taste and preparation method differ in each country. 

People have the notion that the mouthwatering taste of Jollof rice comes because of its method of cooking. The traditional way of cooking this rice is by using firewood. But nowadays, using wood is difficult and not a viable option. But do you know without the firewood, we can prepare Jollof rice, and it will not lose any deliciousness?

Then why to wait, let us look at how to do that. 

How to prepare the classic Nigerian JollOf Rice?

To make this delicious food, there is no need to have many ingredients. This can be done with a minimal amount of components. And these ingredients won’t require some unpronounceable food chemicals!

It typically takes just fifteen minutes for the preparation and about an hour for cooking. Hence within an hour and fifteen minutes, you are able to taste this dish.

Ingredients 

  • Four cups of long-grain uncooked rice
  • 6 Medium chopped tomatoes or 400 gram tin of tomatoes
  • 6 cups of stock (vegetable, chicken or beef) or water 
  • Four large red bell peppers with seeds discarded
  • Medium-sized 3 red onions 
  • one scotch bonnet peppers 
  • 1/3 cup of coconut oil
  • Three tablespoons of tomato paste
  • Curry powder of two teaspoons
  • One Teaspoon of dried thyme
  • Two dried bay leaves
  • Two tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • Salt for taste

The usage of butter is optional, and out of 3 onions, you need to slice one thinly and chop the rest two roughly.

Instructions for Cooking

Step 1

Rinse the rice; it will make you get rid of the starch. Then partly cook the rice. After this boil, the rice with 2 cups of the stock (or water) then keeps cooking on medium heat. Keep it covered and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. After this, rice will still be hard and a bit of white. Remove this partly cooked rice and stock from heat and keep aside.

Step 2

With the help of a mixer, blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, chopped onions, and Scotch bonnet. Continue to blend till it becomes a smooth paste. It takes about a minute or two. Now you will have roughly 4 cups of mix.

Step 3

Take a large pan, heat oil, and add sliced onion to it. Season it with a pinch of salt, stir and fry for two minutes. Add tomato paste, curry powder, bay powder, and dried thyme. Continue to stir for another 2 minutes, add the mixture prepared in step 2.  and stir. Continue to stir for 12 minutes on medium heat. By this time, the raw taste of tomato and mix cook will go. 

Step 4

Put two cups of the stock ao the cooked tomato sauce along with a teaspoon of butter and insert the parboiled rice. Stir and cover it with a second piece of foil and put a lid on the pan. It helps to seal in steam and helps to lock the flavor. And cook on low heat for 15 minutes more. Now stir again and add the remaining cup of stock. Also, adjust the seasoning to taste. Stir it again and cover with foil and let it cook for 20 minutes. Don’t forget to stir again and again as it prevents burning. Now rice becomes cooked, and grains will become separate.

Step 5

Don’t hesitate to add more water or stock by the half cup and stir gently if you find it a bit hard. After this is fully cooked, take off the heat and remove the cover of the pot. Put a tea cloth over the top and keep aside for a half-hour till it becomes ready to serve. 

Step 6

To give a classical touch, you are just away from a step. If you remember in the beginning, we were told that we would teach how to give traditional firewood cooking taste. So, now once the rice is cooked, turn up the heat with the lid on and leave to burn for 3 to 5 minutes until you hear the rice crackle sound. And the toasted smell will follow. Now turn off the heat and leave with the lid on till serving the rice.

Now your delicious food is ready. 

Dos and Don’ts

For getting better results, one has to give attention while preparing rice. Here are the dos and don’t for cooking the rice.

Things to Do

  • Wash the rice to remove impurities. You need to wash it at least two to three times before cooking.
  • Soaking rice gives extra taste. Ideally, brown rice should be used after overnight soaking, and for white rice, soaking for two hours is enough.
  • You need to put water, depending upon the cooking method. For cooking on a pressure cooker, put 1:2 ratio of water if you are cooking on an open pot, use one ltr of water for a cup of rice.

Things to Avoid

  • Avoid storing the rice in a gunny bag, jute bag, and cloth bags. It attracts pests.
  • Avoid storage of rice in damp areas.

These are the way to prepare classical Nigerian Jolle rice. Just follow these steps and enjoy the party with your loved ones! If you are in the USA and want your family back in Nigeria to have fun? They don’t worry, you share this recipe for preparing yummy Nigerian rice and order the required ingredients here.