One of your pen friends has written asking you to describe your favourite Nigerian dish to enable her to prepare it. Write back to her explaining how the di...

Answer Details

7 Ogui Road,
Enugu.
10th July, 2026.

Dear Amaka,

Thank you for your lovely letter. I was delighted to read that you would like to try cooking a Nigerian dish. My favourite is jollof rice, and I am happy to explain exactly how it is prepared so that you can make it yourself.

First, gather your ingredients. You will need rice, fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, tomato paste, vegetable oil, chicken or beef, seasoning cubes, salt, curry, thyme and a little pepper to taste.

Begin by washing and boiling the meat with sliced onions, seasoning cubes and salt until it is tender. Keep the meat stock, for it gives the dish a rich flavour. You may fry the boiled meat lightly and set it aside.

Next, blend the tomatoes, peppers and onions into a smooth paste. Heat some oil in a pot, add sliced onions and a little tomato paste, and pour in the blended mixture. Allow it to fry until the sour taste disappears and the oil rises to the top. Add the meat stock, seasoning cubes, curry, thyme and salt, and let it simmer.

Now wash your rice and pour it into the boiling sauce, making sure the liquid just covers the rice. Cover the pot tightly, reduce the heat and allow the rice to cook slowly so that it absorbs the sauce and takes on its lovely red colour. Stir gently once or twice to prevent burning, adding a little water if it dries out before the rice is soft.

When the rice is well cooked and dry, your jollof rice is ready. Serve it hot with the fried meat, fried plantain and a little coleslaw. I promise you will enjoy every spoonful.

Do write and tell me how it turns out. Greetings to your family.

Your loving friend,
Ngozi.