For the Tomato Paste

2 fresh tomatoes

1 small tatashe (red bell pepper), cored and deseeded

1 small red onion

For the Jollof Rice

500g white long-grain rice

4 tablespoons sunfower or olive oil

1 red onion, finely chopped

30g tomato purée

500mL (2 cups) chicken stock or water

1 tablespoon Ataro Jollof Spice Blend

1⁄2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

2 fresh habañero peppers, blended, or to taste

Your favourite vegetables, for garnish

Ataro-Spiced Grilled Chicken for serving

Directions:

Make the Tomato Paste: Dice the tomatoes, tatashe, and onion. Combine them in the jug of a blender and pulse until the mixture is chunky and well combined. (Or combine them in a pot over medium heat and cook until the moisture is reduced.)

Make the Jollof Rice: Thoroughly rinse the rice in hot water until the water runs clear. Drain it into a sieve and set aside.

In a medium pot with a lid over medium heat, warm the oil for 2 minutes. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes, until the onion is browned and softened. Add the tomato purée and fry for 5 minutes, until the mixture turns a deep red colour and the acid content is reduced. Add the contents of the blender to the pot and fry for 5 to 10 minutes.

While stirring constantly, add the chicken stock or water to the pot. Add the Ataro Jollof Spice Blend and the salt; add the habañero peppers to taste. Cover and bring to a boil.

Add the rice to the pot and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, until all the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Remove from the heat.

Transfer the Jollof Rice to a serving dish and garnish with your favourite vegetables. Serve hot with the Ataro-Spiced Grilled Chicken and Dodo.

TIPS:

Depending on which type of rice you choose, you may need to adjust the amounts of chick- en stock and water you use; check the cooking instructions on the rice packaging.

If you don’t like spicy food, add the peppers slowly and/or sparingly in Steps 2 and 4. Taste the dish as you add the peppers to make sure you get the avour and level of heat right for your own palate.