Jollof Pasta, like Jollof Rice, is a staple dish in West Africa. It is very similar to the spaghetti bolognese Unlike the Spaghetti Bolognese, the tomatoes in Jollof pasta are cooked down with chili, ginger, and garlic. Jollof is one of those ‘things’. I doubt that I am the only person who likes all things jollof, so I most definitely will not be the only one who goes crazy for Jollof Pasta. I have seen many versions of Jollof Rice, too many, in fact. I needed something different. Something the same, yet not. It did take me a short while but I figured one out. Similar to spaghetti, but so much tastier.
This is how my Mama made food. It is a simple dish, using basic ingredients. The challenge I faced was getting the right consistency and measurements for the spices. Spices tend to be more pronounced in spaghetti than rice. I actually do not measure my spices, I do it by eye!!!. Hahaha, this is exactly how my mom taught me to cook. I often have to consciously measure to make sure I get the right doze for the official recipe. You will notice that in many of my recipes, I tend to not always use the amounts, I will just place the ingredient in the list. I hope you enjoy this dish! It is simply a joy to make and serve to loved ones. Nothing will ever compare to Mama’s cooking though!
This Jollof Pasta comes together rather quickly and mostly in one pan. Most people use a mix of fresh tomatoes and tomato paste for their traditional jollof rice. As for the Scotch bonnets, you can add in more or less according to your tastes. You can skip the scotch bonnets and rather use some mld chilli powder.
Although, this by itself can be completely vegan and meat free, I like meat and I like to have some grilled chicken in mine. The meat can be grilled on its own and topped on the rice later.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- I see Scotch Bonnets listed in many recipes, what are they?
A scotch bonnet is a chili pepper. A certain type of chili pepper. However, if you are unable to find them in your market, red chili peppers will suffice.
- Can I use Angel Hair Pasta?
Spaghetti noodles or Angel hair pasta are both good choices. It would depend on how much pasta you want in the dish. Spaghetti noodles are slightly thicker than Angel Hair pasta.
- Should I add any meat?
You could add goat meat, ground beef or chicken if you choose. I like to make my Jollof Pasta with some grilled boneless chicken, but it can be completely vegan.
Jollof Pasta
🥢 Equipment
- Skillet Pan
🍜 Ingredients
- 16 Ounces Spaghetti Noodles Cooked According to the package
- 3 tbsp Butter Unsalted
- 1 Red Onions
- 2 Scotch Bonnets
- 2 tbsp Chicken Stock
- 1/4 Cup Parsley
- 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Mild Curry Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Crushed Ginger
- 1 Medium Garlic Clove
🍰 Instructions
- Chop the onions, scotch bonnets and Parsley1 Red Onions, 2 Scotch Bonnets, 1/4 Cup Parsley
- Chop the ginger1 Medium Garlic Clove
- In a skillet, place the butter and allow it to melt3 tbsp Butter
- Add in the chopped red onion, the scotch bonnets, Ginger and Garlic1 Red Onions, 2 Scotch Bonnets, 1 tbsp Crushed Ginger, 1 Medium Garlic Clove
- Saute until they begin to soften
- Add the Chicken Stock with ¼ cup water2 tbsp Chicken Stock
- Add in 3 tbsp of tomato paste and stir to blend well3 tbsp Tomato Paste
- Sprinkle in the black pepper and the curry powder1 tsp Black Pepper, 1 tsp Mild Curry Powder
- Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes
- Stir in the cooked thin spaghetti16 Ounces Spaghetti Noodles
- Sprinkle in the parsley and mix properly.1/4 Cup Parsley
- Serve Hot
