Easy Brown Rice Jollof Recipe with Beets and Plantains
Looking for a healthier jollof rice recipe? This easy brown rice jollof with beets and plantains is packed with flavor, fiber, and wholesome ingredients. A nourishing vegan and gluten-free twist on a Nigerian favorite.
How to Actually Make Tasty Jollof Rice with Brown Rice
Looking for a healthier way to enjoy jollof rice? This easy brown rice jollof recipe combines nutty brown rice, naturally sweet plantains, and nutrient-rich beets for a flavorful twist on a beloved Nigerian classic. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy jollof rice with a little extra nutrition. It is colorful, wholesome, and packed with flavor while still delivering all the comforting qualities we love about jollof rice. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or as a holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Learn how to cook this drool-worthy holiday brown rice side dish with beets and plantains that your entire family and guest will love and enjoy! Super easy to make, seasoned to perfection, tasty, and delicious. One word – YUM!
If you are loving the versatility of this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other rice recipes as well. A few reader favorites include party-style Nigerian basmati jollof rice, baked coconut jollof rice, Nigerian fried rice, and baked shrimp fried rice. Each recipe brings its own unique flavor and is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, holidays, and special occasions.
what is the best brown rice for Jollof?
For this recipe, I used golden brown rice from Ralston Family Farms, though any good-quality brown rice should work. Brown rice adds a slightly nutty flavor and hearty texture that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the plantains and the earthiness of the beets. The result is a nutritious twist on traditional jollof rice that is both satisfying and delicious.
Naturally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Jollof Rice
One of the things I love most about this brown rice jollof recipe is that it is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Rice has been a staple food in many cultures for centuries because it is versatile, affordable, easy to prepare, and pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
This healthy brown rice jollof combines wholesome ingredients like brown rice, beets, and plantains to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are following a gluten-free lifestyle, avoiding dairy, or simply looking for a nourishing rice dish, this recipe is a delicious option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and special occasions.
benefits of Brown Rice.
One of the biggest benefits of brown rice is that it is a whole grain, meaning it retains its bran and germ layers. As a result, brown rice contains more fiber than white rice, which may help support digestion, promote fullness, and contribute to overall health.
Brown rice is also known for its lower glycemic index compared to white rice, making it a popular choice for those looking to support balanced blood sugar levels. Additionally, it provides important nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, and B vitamins.
While some people avoid brown rice because it typically takes longer to cook than white rice, the extra cooking time is often worth it for the added nutrition, hearty texture, and nutty flavor it brings to dishes like this brown rice jollof recipe.
Ingredients for the Best Brown Rice Jollof Recipe
This recipe comes together with simple ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores. For the rice, I used Ralston Family Farms Golden Light-Brown Rice, though any good-quality brown rice will work.
You will also need bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, broth, beets, and sweet plantains. These wholesome ingredients combine to create a flavorful, colorful, and nourishing brown rice jollof that is perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Why Add Beets to Brown Rice Jollof?
Beets may not be a traditional ingredient in Nigerian jollof rice, but they work surprisingly well in this healthy brown rice version. They add a subtle natural sweetness, beautiful color, and extra nutrition without overpowering the familiar flavors of the dish.
In addition to their vibrant appearance, beets are rich in antioxidants, fiber, folate, and other beneficial plant compounds. When paired with brown rice and sweet plantains, they help create a nourishing, flavorful meal that feels both comforting and wholesome.
If you’re looking for a creative way to enjoy more vegetables or simply want to add a nutritious twist to your jollof rice, beets are a delicious addition worth trying.
how to make the Best Vegan healthy Brown Rice Jollof:
Prep the Vegetables.
Beets and plantains go so well, and look so magnificent with this Jollof rice recipe! First, I start by prepping the plantains, beets; I usually boil the beets to soften them before sautรฉing. Second, I will fry the plantain bites, finally, I will blend the tomato and bell peppers. Then I will set aside and prep the rice.
Wash the Rice.
As mentioned earlier, there is absolutely no reason to soak this brown rice like others. To make this easy brown rice, I washed the rice with cold running water until transparent, then I drain the water and set aside until I need it..
What to Serve with Brown Rice Jollof
This brown rice jollof is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins and vegetable dishes. Some of my favorite pairings include:
- Grilled or baked chicken
- Air fryer jerk chicken drumsticks
- Oven-baked honey mustard salmon
- Pan-seared or air-fried tilapia
- Crispy coconut cod
- Grilled shrimp or air-fried shrimp
- Nigerian tomato stew
- Stewed beans or Nigerian beans porridge
- Roasted Mixed Root Vegetables
- Simple cucumber and tomato salad
- Cabbage carrot slaw
- Avocado slices or guacamole
For a fully plant-based meal, serve it alongside roasted chickpeas, black bean burgers, lentils, or a fresh green salad.
recipe card:
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Easy Brown Rice Jollof Recipe with Beets and Plantains
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: West African
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
Looking for a healthier way to enjoy jollof rice? This easy brown rice jollof recipe with beets and sweet plantains is packed with flavor, fiber, and wholesome ingredients. A nourishing twist on a Nigerian favorite, this vegan-friendly recipe is perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, and anyone who loves healthy comfort food. Save this recipe for later! ๐
Ingredients
1 packet of Ralston farm Golden Light-Brown Rice or 3 cups.
1 large or medium size beet
1 ripe plantain
3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 fresh bells pepper
1 Roma tomatoes
4 cups of vegetableย broth (add in parts; I used homemade broth)
3 garlic cloves
1 โ 2 teaspoons of salt
1 bulb of onions (divide; use half to blend the tomatoes and slice half up for frying.
1 teaspoon of curry Powder
ยฝ teaspoon of dry thyme
ยฝ teaspoon of crushed red pepper
3 Small Maggi cubes (1 per cup of rice)
Instructions
- Wash the beets; peel the back and dice. Then add to a pot, add water, and some salt. Boil to soften, taste with a toothpick or fork. The amount of time this takes will depend on how big/small the beets are.
- Wash, peel, and cut the plantain. Cut the same size as the beets. Season with a little salt, and fry/sautรฉ. Set beets and plantains aside for later.
- Add the washed bell peppers, ยผ of onions, garlic cloves, and tomato with a ยผ cup of water or less, blend and set aside. Chop ยฝ of onions and garlic set aside as well.
- Open the box of the Ralston Family Farm Golden Light-Brown Rice, and pour it into a bowl. Add cold water to the rice bowl, wash the rice until the water becomes clear, then drain for the final time and set aside.
- Place a clean pot on the stove; add the olive oil, warm up, and add sliced onions. Allow cooking until softened about 2 โ 3 minutes then add the tomato paste. Cook while stirring continuously until it no longer tastes raw. This may take up 7 minutes, then introduce the fresh bell pepper/tomato blend. Stir very well, cover, and cook for at least 10 โ 15 minutes (stirring frequently) until the liquid visibly reduces, and the sauce thickens.
- Lower the heat, add the salt, curry, dry thyme, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and 2 Maggi cubes, stir very well, and add half of the broth. Stir, cover, and allow all of these flavors to simmer. Taste and adjust the flavor when it starts to simmer, and then add the rice. Gently use a wooden spoon or spatula to ensure that the rice is evenly distributed, then add another cup of the broth to the rice.
- Use foil to cover the pot first, then place a lid on itโcook on low โ medium for the next 25 minutes. Check the rice; the rice may still be a little hard at this time. Gently give a good stir, and add the last cup of broth.
- Cover yet again with the same foil and cook/steam on low for 10 โ 12 minutes. Then open the pot, stir to see fluffy single grains of perfectly cooked brown rice Jollof!
- Add the already cooked beets and plantains, little by little, as your dish into the serving bowl. Finish up with spring onions. Serve this healthy brown rice Jollof recipe as a side or main dish!
Notes
Please know that the instructions to make this dish is detailed because I want you to make the best Jollof rice. I want you to replicate my result.
Make this dish meaty by add meat to it.
You can make it vegetarian by adding some fish or serving with some fish.
Serve this side as the main dish; it works perfectly fine.
PRO TIPS:
As a rule of thumb, we traditionally cook Jollof rice on low heat or low-medium heat. This way, there is an excellent infusion of all the flavors. I hope you map out good cooking time if you plan to make this dish!
Jollof rice cooks with steam, not water or liquid; do not add a lot of liquid to this dish. This dish SHOULD NOT be mushy; we want to see individual grains in jollof rice; remember,ย it is not risotto. Usually, I start by adding half of the broth.
Making the sauce is an essential part of making jollof rice, and may take a little additional time. If you already have an authentic west African stew, you can easily add washed rice to it and make your healthy brown rice Jollof (the start from step 6), but if you don’t, then it is crucial to make the sauce the right way if you desire to have the same result that I did.
I wash the rice with cold running water 6 โ 7 times until the water is no longer cloudy.
When it comes to olive oil, I do one tablespoon of olive to one cup of rice, so I used 3 tablespoons for this recipe.
Remember to have a different oil for frying the plantain and sautรฉing the beets. I used peanut oil; do not fry with olive oil.
Remove the seed membranes from the pepper, and if using a big onion, then a quarter of that is all you need to blend with the tomato, garlic, and bell pepper. You need as little water as possible for this. I don’t necessarily blend this to look like puree; I stop when it is barely smooth, the texture is essential in this dish.
The amount of salt you end up using for this dish will depend if your broth is salted or not.
The foil traps the heat back into the post and helps the rice to cook well even with less water and low heat.
The cooking includes making the sauce as well, if you do have sauce, then this time drastically shortens.
Easy Brown Rice Jollof That Actually Tastes Good
PLEASE SHARE THIS POST, leave a comment, and a 5-star rating if you like this flavorful, and colorful brown rice Jollof recipe. Then please check out these other recipes that I am sure you will like:
- Perfectly Baked Brussels Sprouts.
- Mango Chicken Coconut Curry.
- The Tastiest Coconut Jollof Rice.
- Quinoa Fried Rice Recipe.
- Boiled White Rice.
- Nigerian Red Tomato Stew
- One-pot Shrimp Fried Rice.
- Stewed Black-eyed Peas Beans Recipe. Do you enjoy healthy breakfasts?
- Coconut Milk Oatmeal with Stewed Cherries.
- Yogurt oatmeal Pancakes.
- Check out another Vegan Jollof Rice from My Diaspora Kitchen.
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THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!ย Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!
Wow, what a vibrant and hearty meal. I can’t wait to give it a try.
Yes, it is a vibrant dish, Dannii! I hope you can try it, please let me know when you do.๐๐พ
I’ve never had jollof rice, but I love beets and plantain. This sounds like the perfect combination to try. Will be making it next!
Thanks for your kind comments, Emese, Jollof Rice originated from Africa – one of our greatest exports! I can’t wait for you to try this; I hope you like it as we did! ๐
Love the look of this, what gorgeous flavours – trying this later in the week for a family dinner. Thanks for a great recipe!
Thank you so much, Kate! This dish is very flavorful; I hope you and your family enjoy it as we did!
What a unique recipe! I’ve never had rice with beets in it! Totally love the idea.
Oh, you need to add some beets to your rice next time! The beets and plantains really complimented this dish and added a little crunch, as this is meatless.
This came out so delicious! Love al the flavors and it was easy to make with your instructions.
Awww, thank you so much for letting me, Danielle! This makes me so happy!
Glad you enjoyed this recipe!
This looks supper yummy and interesting. Can’t wait to try.
Yay, Dorothy! I can’t wait to hear what you think about this dish after you have tried it! ๐
Thanks so much for your comment.
I can’t wait to try this, all the colors and flavors are calling my name. One question, if I can’t find plantain, can I substitute banana?
I am glad to hear that you will be making this, Sue. Sadly, no, you cannot replace plantains with banana. I suggest you check another grocery store. I got the plantain I used for this recipe from Publix.
What a beautiful side dish! I’ve never added roasted beet to rice before, will be making this today!
Thank you so much, Erica! Beets are incredible accompaniments. You gotta give it a try!๐
I love all the flavors here! What a great combo for a delicious lunch.
Thanks so much, Jess! Yes, so much flavor, and it surely makes for a perfect lunch!
This is an amazing Jollof recipe. So vibrant. Knowing your recipes, this will taste amazing. Well done ๐๐
Thank you so much, sis! Yes, this was so so tasty! ๐
This rice dish sounds flavorful and delicious! Perfect for a get together.
Yes, Andrea, I agree, this rice recipe is perfect for a get-together!
I am so excited to experiment with another kind of rice than basmati. Your recipe sounds amazing! Thanks!
I am happy to hear that, Irina!
This golden light-brown Jollof was very easy to work with, unlike typical brown rice recipes. I hope you like it as we did!
I’ve never had a rice dish like this one before, it sounds super flavorful. My Mom loves both beets and plantains so I know she’d be up for trying it.
Thank you so much, Valerie; I appreciate your kind words! Both beets and plantains compliment this dish so well! I hope your family likes it as we did!
Wow this looks so comforting and delicious! Love that it is vegan. Can’t wait to try it.
Thank you so much, Nicolette; I can’t wait for you to try it as well. I hope you will like it as we did!
This looks like a flavour packed rice dish. I can’t wait to try it.
Yes, Dannii, this was very flavorful and delicious! Let me know when you do try it!๐