Jollof Rice

Add 3 coarsely chopped medium Roma tomatoes and 1 coarsely chopped large red bell pepper to a blender and blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 coarsely chopped large red onion, 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped ginger, 1/2 to 1 habanero pepper, and 5 peeled garlic cloves and blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.

Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. The mixture will thicken slightly and turn bright red.

Place 4 cups long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cool running water. Set aside to drain.

Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1/2 thinly sliced large red onion and cook until translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 4 fresh thyme sprigs or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon ground white pepper, and 2 bay leaves. Stir and cook until the paste has darkened in color, 2 to 3 minutes.

Pour in the red pepper base and 3 cups stock. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

Add the rice and stir until combined. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with aluminum foil and then the lid. Cook undisturbed for 30 minutes.

Remove the lid and foil and gently fluff the rice. Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. If the rice tastes a bit undercooked, remove from the heat, cover again, and let sit for 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the rice burns a bit at the bottom of the pot. This is part of what contributes a smoky flavor to the dish, and some people actually prefer this part! Taste and season the rice with more kosher salt as needed.

Make ahead: The red pepper base can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.Storage: Leftover rice can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.