Choosing which type of Jollof to eat can be a difficult decision. Nigeria Jollof Rice and Ghanaian Jollof has its own unique flavor. So which one should you choose? Here are some pros and cons for each type of food that may help you make your decision!
What is Jollof rice?
A jollof rice is a popular rice dish. In Nigeria and Ghana it is quite similar to risotto. This kind of rice dish is the traditional dish eaten in the West African countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. It is usually served with meat.
Jollof rice contains all the ingredients of rice such as water, rice, chickpeas and vegetables. The main ingredient is the tomato sauce with seasoning.
It is the only way you can eat rice without having to wash and dry the dish or cook it. It can be eaten alone or with beef, chicken, plantain or onion. There are many varieties of jollof rice, including the ones prepared by the people of Sierra Leone. They add rice mixed with boiled eggs, crayfish, coconut milk and spices.
Check Out the Pros and Con of Nigeria Jollof Rice and Ghanaian Jollof Rice
The Pros of the Nigerian Jollof
Black Pepper
Black pepper is a seasoning that many popular chefs, chefs in general, and average Jollof cooks add to their Jollof.
Salt
The rich flavor and bold spice of the Nigerian Jollof is brought to you by salt.
Akara Sauce
Akara sauce is a tomato based sauce that is poured over Jollof, which gives it a nice taste.
The Cons of the Nigerian Jollof
Grape Fruit
Although the Nigerian Jollof is made with tomatoes, the tomato juice is flavored with lots of tomatoes. This means that the grape fruit is often left on top of the sauce. The jollof also tends to leave a grease taste on your palate.
Tomato Paste
An obvious con of the Nigerian Jollof, the tomato paste is poured over the entire plate of Jollof.
The Cons of the Nigerian Jollof
Nigerian Jollof tends to be spicy. Not as spicy as Ghanaian Jollof, but spicy enough.
Nigerian Jollof isn’t as forgiving when it comes to heat. If it’s too hot, it can burn the roof of your mouth and take hours to reduce the taste to something palatable.
Nigerian Jollof can’t be frozen because it tends to be thicker and crumbly.
The Pros of the Ghanaian Jollof
Ghanaian Jollof is cheaper than Nigerian Jollof and has a thinner, more evenly shaped rice.
Ghanaian Jollof has more flavor than Nigerian Jollof. The heat is usually less as well.
Ghanaian Jollof usually has a hotter, more intense flavor than Nigerian Jollof.
Ghanaian Jollof is easier to cook than Nigerian Jollof and can be prepared in one pan.
Nigerian Jollof is more prone to spoilage.
The Pros of the Ghanaian Jollof
Ghanaians love to celebrate. Jollof is great for parties. Ghanaians love rice. When most people think of Jollof, they tend to think of Ghanaians because Ghana is known for its awesome Jollof rice. It is the national dish of Ghana.
Ghanaians love to cook. Jollof is always very flavorful. It is usually served with French fries and a fried egg. You don’t have to eat Jollof rice from a restaurant, either. You can make your own at home, which adds more flavor. If you are a fan of jollof rice and fries, then you will also love Ghana’s popular Jollof sauce.
The Cons of the Ghanaian Jollof
Compared to Nigerian Jollof, Ghanaian Jollof does not have as much beef. Unfortunately, Ghanaian Jollof does not have any substitute for beef in the form of sweet potatoes, plantains, and yam.
The Cons of the Ghanaian Jollof
Slightly spicy: Since the Ghanaian Jollof is quite spicy, it could be difficult to eat it while you are in another country. The curry seasoning can quickly get a person’s tongue all warm and pink, causing discomfort.
Gimme some salt: Since it is fairly spicy, some people find that they need a little bit of salt in their Ghanaian Jollof to loosen it up and make it palatable. If you are really not feeling it, try adding a bit of pepper on top!
Eggplant: Ghanaians tend to use more meat and less vegetables in their Ghanaian Jollof. If you are looking to try the rice based Jollof, you will not find any eggplant.
The Pros of the Ghanaian Jollof
More filling: The Ghanaian Jollof does not pack quite as much of a punch as its Nigerian counterpart.
Conclusion
Jollof is an amazing food, which should not be missed. Jollof has its own own beauty and excitement. Whether you choose the original one from Ghana or the Nigerian ones, you’ll experience a different type of meal that leaves you craving for more!
We hope this article helped you learn. You may also want to see our guide on Naija Foods and our expert picks for the most expensive phone in Kenya.
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