The Hill Family’s Liberian Jollof Rice (Episode 2)

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In this episode, Alma and her mother, Sharon, take onthe West African delicacy jollof rice. The approach can vary from country to country but Alma proudly considers her family's Liberian jollof to be the best.Will her version reign supreme over mama's?

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Ingredients

Serves 5-6 people

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Long Grain White Rice (e.g. Uncle Ben’s, Mahatma)

Tomato Paste (3 Tbsp)

Large Yellow Onion (1)

Red Pepper (1)

Yellow Pepper (1)

No Green Peppers allowed!

Habanero Pepper (1, optional for added spice)

Garlic (1 bulb)

Chicken Wings (1 lb, cut into sections)

Steak (1 lb, Strip, Flat Iron, Flank, something cheap but decently thick)

Frozen Mixed Veggies (1 bag)

Chicken Broth

Avocado Oil

Seasonings (Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Chili Powder, MSG - optional)

Maggi Seasoning Cubes

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Directions

1. Season steak and chicken wing and steak pieces. Refrigerate and allow to marinate. Overnight is best, but at least 4-5 hours.
2. Cook white rice HALFWAY in chicken broth. Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to chicken broth. Set aside.
3. Fry chicken wings. Set aside.
4. Cook steak to just barely well-done. Set aside to rest and finish cooking. Do not cut.
5. In a food processor, blend red and yellow bell peppers, 4-5 individual cloves of garlic, and 1/4 of the onion. If you like spice add 1/2 to 1 whole habanero pepper.
6. If steak has rested significantly and is cooked thoroughly (no pink) cut into cubes or bite sized pieces. Set aside. Feel free to add to bowl of cooked chicken as they will be added at the same time.
7. Heat avocado oil in a large pot (dutch oven or similar) to medium heat. Once hot, add the tomato paste to the oil. Stir constantly to brown the tomato paste and emulsify. DO NOT manipulate the heat, otherwise the tomato paste will burn and give the dish a very bitter flavor. It burns easily.
8. Once the tomato paste has broken down significantly (about 8 minutes), add 1 Maggi Seasoning Cube. Stir until dissolved.
9. Add 2-3 Tbsp of avocado oil. Allow the heat to come to medium-medium high and immediately add the mixture from the food processor.
10. On medium high, cook the bell pepper mixture until it thickens and starts to turn dark orange in color.
11. Once the mixture has thickened significantly and starts to bubble a bit, add chicken, steak, and ¼ cup of water. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.
12. Add rice. If necessary, add another 1/4 cup of water. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, MSG, maggi cube, paprika, chili powder. Cover and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through.
13. 5 mins before serving, taste and add seasoning as necessary. Add mixed veggies to the rice. Mix well. Cover again, and allow veggies to heat up.
14. Serve immediately.