Joy Onuorah

Africans love jollof rice, but sometimes, a quick and easy Jollof flavour that does not require rice. Hence, you’ve got the jollof spaghetti that still gives you all the ‘Jollof-ness’ you need. Try it out and if you have, it was great right?

Ingredients

• 1 lb usually 1 box thin spaghetti
• 2 3/4 cups chicken stock I used a home made stock
• 5 large about 2 lbs plum/ roma tomatoes
• 1 large onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsp bouillon powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp curry powder
• A small handful of basil optional
• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Blend the tomatoes, onions, and peppers until smooth.
• Boil down the tomato sauce on in a pot on medium- high heat until the sauce is about half the amount, and has thickened significantly to look like a paste. This takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on how high the heat is.
• Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from burning.
• Once the sauce is reduced, pour in the stock, oil, thyme, curry powder and bouillon. At this stage, taste the sauce and adjust for salt.
• Add in the spaghetti, pushing it down or breaking it to fit into the pot.
• Cover and allow to cook for 5 minutes on low-medium heat.
• After 5 minutes, the pasta should be soft enough to stir. Stir, turn down the heat to low, and allow to cook for another 8-10 minutes.
• After 8 minutes, stir, and the pasta should be cooked. If it is not, add in a splash (about 1/4 cup) of water and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
• If you choose to add basil, add it in at this stage, and then serve.

Notes

When stirring the pasta, you may notice that the bottom of the pot may burn slightly, do not panic. This burn gives your dish a distinct party jollof taste. Count it as a bonus privilege.