If you’re among Nigerians already planning to cook fried and jollof rice for your household this holiday season, I have just one question: are you not tired? Listen, I can’t promise it’ll taste better than what you’re used to, but according to GPT, these are the only rice recipes that should be cooking in your kitchen this holiday.
Spicy ube rice
I’m not a fan of ube, but AI probably knows something we don’t.
How to make it:
Use mashed ube (African pear) to flavour rice with a creamy, slightly smoky taste. Add pepper sauce and diced beef for an earthy, rich dish.
Okazi rice stir-fry
I might faint if I eat any variation of suya, chicken or beef stir-fry rice this holiday. But okazi stir-fry? I’m up like mad for the culinary adventure.
How to make it:
Incorporate shredded okazi leaves, diced smoked chicken, and peppery seasoning into a stir-fry for a crunchy, spicy twist.
Cashew rice
Not gonna lie, I’ve been messing around with the idea of nuts in rice for a while, but it appears GPT has beat me to it.
How to make it:
Toast cashew nuts with onions and pepper, then stir into rice with shredded chicken or dried fish for a nutty, savoury flavour.
Egusi rice
Please, this isn’t your regular white rice with a generous splash of egusi soup.
How to make it:
Mix egusi paste with spiced tomato sauce, smoked fish, and ugu leaves to create a rich, creamy rice dish that’s completely new.
Jollof okro rice
This is the only jollof rice twist my mouth will be tolerating this December.
How to make it:
Combine jollof rice flavours with sautéed okro and seafood like shrimp or crayfish for a fresh, crunchy bite.
Ugba (Oil Bean) rice salad
Rice salad? Wake me TF up. I bet it’s better than the different variations of pasta salads that do little to excite the Nigerian palette.
How to make it:
Create a cold rice salad using ugba, diced cucumber, carrots, and pepper sauce for a light yet earthy dish perfect for Nigerian weather.
Groundnut rice with dried fish
Is it me, or is this recipe lowkey giving sapa-vibes? Anyway, GPT says it’s better than the regular-degular fried and jollof rice.
How to make it:
Use groundnut paste, onions, and pepper to create a creamy rice dish topped with shredded dried fish for extra umami.
Oha leaf rice
If oha soup is as good as they say, what’s not to love if you whip that leafy goodness into rice?
How to make it:
Infuse rice with the distinct flavour of oha leaves, combining it with stock, spicy goat meat, and a hint of uziza for a uniquely aromatic meal.
Plantain and curry fried rice
I know any variation of fried rice shouldn’t make this list, but hey, the diced plantain twist is worth trying.
How to make it:
Fry ripe plantain cubes and mix them into rice spiced with curry, garlic, and ginger for a sweet and savoury twist.
Bitterleaf rice
Don’t know what AI is on about because I’ve experienced enough bitterness in 2024, but if you’re up for some bitter action, give it a go.
How to make it:
Cook rice with a light bitterleaf sauce, adding diced smoked turkey or fish for a balance of bitterness and savoury flavours.
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