African-Style Rice with Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Traditional rice dishes take the stage as the main entrée in so many cultures, from Spanish paella and Italian risotto to South Asian biryani and Cajun jambalaya. West Africa is no exception. Jollof rice is a spicy, one-pot dish with a different version prepared in nearly every West African country — and perhaps in every family. Common ingredients include tomatoes, onions and peppers, plus rice, meat, poultry or fish. Jollof rice also can incorporate a rainbow of other vegetables. It even can be made without meat. Fried plantains and salad are typically served as sides.

Ingredients

2 to 2½ pounds chicken drumsticks (8 drumsticks)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup canola oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated peeled ginger root
2 cups brown rice
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
4 cups sodium-reduced chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
2 carrots, diced
1 lime, sliced, for garnish
Sprigs of cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Directions

Before you begin: Wash your hands.

1. Season chicken with black pepper.
2. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook until lightly browned. Remove chicken from the skillet; set aside. Leave drippings in the skillet.
3. Add onion, jalapeño peppers, garlic and ginger root to the skillet. Reduce to medium heat. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes, until onions are transparent. Remove from heat.
4. Add rice; toss with onion mixture. Mix in tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin and thyme. Cook and stir over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
5. Arrange chicken over the rice mixture in skillet. Combine broth and lime juice in a medium bowl; pour over the chicken. Cover; reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes.
6. Place peas and carrots over chicken. Cover; continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, until the broth is absorbed, the rice is tender, and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat. Keep covered; rest for 10 minutes before serving.
7. To serve, garnish with lime slices and cilantro or parsley.

Cooking Tips

As a variation, substitute or add chopped bell pepper or green beans for an equal amount of vegetables. Substitute cubed sirloin steak, peeled shrimp, tofu or seitan for the chicken drumsticks.

Nutrition Information

Serves 8

Calories: 520; Calories from fat: 210; Total fat: 23g; Saturated fat: 5g; Trans fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 90mg; Sodium: 450mg; Total carbohydrate: 49g; Dietary fiber: 5g; Sugars: 7g; Protein: 28g

Roberta Duyff, MS, RD, FAND, is author of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Complete Food and Nutrition Guide and 365 Days of Healthy Eating.