How to Cook a Classic Nigerian Meal with Miracle International Ingredients

Introduction:
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a home-cooked meal, especially when it’s a dish that brings back memories of home. Nigerian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, hearty portions, and the use of fresh, authentic ingredients. At Miracle International, we’re dedicated to helping you recreate these beloved dishes in your own kitchen. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through cooking a classic Nigerian meal using ingredients from our store.

Choosing the Right Ingredients
The foundation of any great dish is the quality of the ingredients. For a truly authentic Nigerian meal, you’ll need to start with the best. Miracle International offers a wide range of Nigerian ingredients, from dry fish and palm oil to fresh vegetables and spices. For this recipe, we’ll be making jollof rice with fried plantains and grilled chicken – a classic Nigerian dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Jollof Rice with Fried Plantains and Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of long-grain parboiled rice
• 4 large tomatoes (blended)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2 red bell peppers (blended)
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (blended)
• 1/4 cup of Miracle International’s palm oil
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons of ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup of chicken stock
• Salt to taste
• 4 pieces of chicken (grilled)
• 2 ripe plantains (sliced and fried)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: Heat the palm oil and vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the blended tomatoes, red bell peppers, and scotch bonnet pepper. Cook the mixture until the oil begins to separate from the tomato base, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the Spices: Stir in the ground pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice in cold water and drain. Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat it in the tomato mixture. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Grill the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a bit of ground pepper. Grill the chicken until it’s fully cooked and has a nice char.
5. Fry the Plantains: Heat some oil in a frying pan and fry the plantain slices until they are golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Fluff the jollof rice with a fork, remove the bay leaves, and serve with the grilled chicken and fried plantains.

Cooking Tips
For the best results, use long-grain parboiled rice, which absorbs flavors well without becoming too sticky. Make sure to let the tomato base cook long enough for the raw tomato taste to disappear. This step is crucial for achieving that signature jollof rice flavor.

Conclusion:
With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious, authentic Nigerian meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just because, Miracle International has all the ingredients you need to make it happen. Visit our online store today to stock up on everything you need for your next culinary adventure!