Jollof rice is a popular West African dish made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices.
It is believed to have originated in the Wolof people of Senegal and Gambia but has since spread throughout West Africa.
The dish is often served as part of a larger meal or as an accompaniment to other dishes.
When serving jollof rice, it’s important to choose side dishes that will complement its flavors and textures.
Here are some ideas for what to serve with jollof rice.
What To Serve With Jollof Rice – 20 Best Side Dishes
Jollof rice is a classic African dish that can be served as a main course or side dish.
No matter what you’re serving it with, here are 20 delicious side dishes that will perfectly complement your Jollof rice:
Vegetables
- Grilled Plantains: Move over avocado toast, there’s a new brunch star in town – grilled plantains! These caramelized slices of goodness are the perfect sidekick to any jollof rice dish, with their smoky sweetness and satisfying crunch. They’re like the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson of side dishes – tough on the outside, but with a heart of gold (and plenty of deliciousness).
- Cucumber Salad: Channel your inner Bridgerton with this refreshing cucumber salad! Like the show’s titular family, this dish is elegant, sophisticated, and always in good taste. The crispness of the cucumbers is perfectly complemented by the tangy dressing and fresh herbs, making it the ideal side dish for any jollof rice feast. You’ll feel like you’re dining in the Queen’s court (but with less drama, hopefully).
- Fried Okra: Take a trip to the Deep South with this classic side dish – fried okra! This little green pod packs a punch of flavor, with its crunchy exterior and tender insides. It’s like the Beyonce of side dishes – a force to be reckoned with that always delivers. Pair it with some jollof rice and you’ve got a match made in culinary heaven.
- Sauteed Spinach: Don’t be like Popeye and wait for a can of spinach to give you strength – whip up this sauteed spinach dish instead! It’s the perfect combination of healthy and delicious, with a savory flavor that will make your taste buds sing. It’s like the Black Panther of side dishes – powerful, nutrient-packed, and ready to take on anything. Wakanda forever (and by that we mean, seconds please)!
- Mixed Vegetables: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And when your fridge gives you a bunch of random veggies, make this mixed vegetable side dish! It’s a medley of colors, textures, and flavors, with each bite offering a different surprise. It’s like the Avengers of side dishes – a diverse group that comes together to save the day (or at least, your dinner). And just like the superheroes, this dish is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and ready to take on whatever comes your way.
Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Move over, Colonel Sanders – there’s a new fried chicken in town! Grilled chicken is the hero we need, with its juicy, smoky flavor and tender, crispy skin. It’s like the Captain America of side dishes – classic, dependable, and always there when you need it. And just like Cap, it pairs perfectly with jollof rice – they’re a dynamic duo that can’t be beat.
- Fried Fish: If life is a highway, then fried fish is the rest stop that makes the journey worthwhile. This flaky, flavorful side dish is like the Taylor Swift of seafood – versatile, crowd-pleasing, and always a hit. It’s the perfect complement to any jollof rice dish, with its crunchy exterior and tender, succulent flesh. So why not shake it off and give this dish a try?
- Beef Kebab: Who needs a passport when you can travel the world with your taste buds? Beef kebab is like the Anthony Bourdain of side dishes, taking you on a culinary adventure with each bite. Its tender, savory meat and fragrant spices are the perfect complement to jollof rice, and will transport you to a far-off land (even if you’re just sitting in your dining room). So come along for the ride and savor the flavors of this delicious dish!
- Roasted Turkey: Don’t wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy the goodness of roasted turkey – make it a year-round staple with this delicious side dish! It’s like the Dolly Parton of poultry – comforting, wholesome, and always ready to give you a hug (in the form of a delicious meal). The tender, juicy meat and crispy skin are the perfect complement to any jollof rice dish, and will make you feel like you’re celebrating a holiday, even on a regular weeknight.
- Baked Beans: You don’t need to be a cowboy to enjoy the hearty goodness of baked beans – this classic side dish is for everyone! It’s like the John Wayne of sides – tough, dependable, and always a favorite. The savory, smoky flavor and tender, creamy texture make it the perfect accompaniment to jollof rice, and will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to take on whatever the day brings. So grab a spoon and dig in – you won’t regret it!
Carbohydrates
- Fried Yam: Move over, French fries – there’s a new crispy carb in town! Fried yam is the side dish we never knew we needed, with its savory, crunchy exterior and tender, fluffy interior. It’s like the Chris Hemsworth of sides – rugged, handsome, and always a crowd-pleaser. And just like Thor’s mighty hammer, this dish packs a flavorful punch that will make your taste buds sing.
- Roasted Potatoes: If comfort food had a poster child, it would be roasted potatoes. This classic side dish is like the Tom Hanks of the culinary world – reliable, wholesome, and always there to make you feel good. The crispy, golden exterior and soft, fluffy insides are the perfect complement to any jollof rice dish, and will leave you feeling warm and satisfied. So grab a plate and indulge in some deliciousness!
- Fried Ripe Plantains: Looking for a side dish that’s sweet, savory, and all-around awesome? Look no further than fried ripe plantains! This delicious treat is like the Harry Styles of the culinary world – trendy, charming, and always leaving you wanting more. Its caramelized exterior and tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior are the perfect complement to any jollof rice dish, and will make you feel like you’re indulging in something truly special.
- Jollof Spaghetti: Who says pasta has to be boring? Jollof spaghetti is the Beyonce of the noodle world – spicy, flavorful, and always bringing the heat. This delicious dish is a fusion of West African and Italian cuisine, with a tangy, tomato-based sauce and fragrant spices. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any jollof rice dish, and will make you feel like you’re indulging in something truly special. So channel your inner Sasha Fierce and give this dish a try!
- Steamed Rice: If you’re looking for a side dish that’s simple, satisfying, and always there for you, look no further than steamed rice. It’s like the Ellen DeGeneres of sides – dependable, versatile, and always ready to make you smile. The fluffy, tender grains are the perfect complement to any jollof rice dish, and can be flavored in countless ways. So grab a spoon and dig in – this dish is sure to be a hit!
Breads and starches
- Naan Bread: Step aside, Wonder Bread – there’s a new superstar in town! Naan bread is the side dish we never knew we needed, with its pillowy texture and fragrant, buttery flavor. It’s like the Oprah Winfrey of breads – universally beloved, always delicious, and with a personality all its own. Whether you’re using it to scoop up some jollof rice or just savoring it on its own, naan bread is a side dish that’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied and content.
- Pita Bread: Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – pita bread is a side dish with a secret superpower. This light, fluffy bread is like the Spider-Man of the culinary world – unassuming on the surface, but capable of incredible feats. Its pocket-like shape is perfect for stuffing with all kinds of fillings, making it a versatile and delicious accompaniment to any jollof rice dish. So embrace your inner superhero and give this side a try!
- Chapati: If you’re looking for a side dish that’s simple, yet packed with flavor, look no further than chapati. This flaky, buttery bread is like the Rihanna of sides – effortlessly cool, always on trend, and never failing to impress. Its tender, savory texture makes it the perfect complement to any jollof rice dish, and will leave you feeling satisfied and content. So go ahead and get your chapati on – you won’t regret it!
- Cornbread: Sometimes you just need a side dish that’s a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll. Enter cornbread – the delicious, crumbly bread that’s like the Johnny Cash of sides – rustic, comforting, and always in style. Its sweet, savory flavor and tender texture make it the perfect complement to any jollof rice dish, and will transport you to a cozy, cabin-like atmosphere. So grab a slice and savor the goodness!
- Yam Fufu: When it comes to side dishes, sometimes you have to think outside the box – or in this case, outside the breadbasket. Yam fufu is a starchy side that’s like the Lady Gaga of culinary creations – unique, unconventional, and always making a statement. Its sticky, doughy texture and neutral flavor make it the perfect accompaniment to any jollof rice dish, and will leave you feeling full and satisfied. So embrace your inner avant-garde and give this dish a try – it just might become your new favorite!
Conclusion
In conclusion, jollof rice is a delicious and nutritious meal, but what to serve with it?
The best sides to serve with jollof rice include vegetables such as grilled plantains, cucumber salad, fried okra, sautéed spinach, and mixed vegetables. For proteins, try grilled chicken, fried fish, beef kebab, roasted turkey, or baked beans.
Carbohydrates like fried yam, roasted potatoes, fried ripe plantains, jollof spaghetti, and steamed rice are also great sides to pair with jollof rice. Lastly, breads and starches such as naan bread, pita bread, chapati, cornbread, and yam fufu are excellent accompaniments to jollof rice.
With these 20 side dishes, you can create a flavorful and filling meal that your family and friends will love.
What To Serve With Jollof Rice – 20 Best Side Dishes
Not sure What To Serve With Jollof Rice? Get ready to level up your jollof rice game with our ultimate guide to the 20 best side dishes! From classics like roasted potatoes and steamed rice to more exotic options like chapati and yam fufu, we've got something for everyone.Think of this article as your personal culinary Avengers, taking you on a flavor-packed adventure that's both informative and entertaining. So whether you're a veggie-lover or a meat enthusiast, a carb connoisseur or a bread aficionado, we've got you covered. It's time to embrace your inner foodie and get ready to chow down!
Ingredients
- Grilled Plantains
- Cucumber Salad
- Fried Okra
- Sauteed Spinach
- Mixed Vegetables
- Grilled Chicken
- Fried Fish
- Beef Kebab
- Roasted Turkey
- Baked Beans
- Fried Yam
- Roasted Potatoes
- Fried Ripe Plantains
- Jollof Spaghetti
- Steamed Rice
- Naan Bread
- Pita Bread
- Chapati
- Cornbread
- Yam Fufu
Instructions
- Pick your favorite recipe from the article.
- Organize your ingredients and utensils.
- Follow the detailed instructions in the recipe to make your side dish.
- Prepare and serve for delicious meal!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.