jollof rice

Ingredients

• SAUCE
• 2 large Roma tomatoes, washed and quartered
• 1 large red pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
• 1 large jalapeño pepper, seeded, ribs removed and roughly chopped
• 3 - 4 cloves (large) garlic, peeled
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• RICE
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil such as canola oil
• 1 1/2 cups diced red onions
• ground Himalayan pink salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
• freshly ground mixed peppercorns, to taste
• 2 cups Basmati rice, rinsed thoroughly
• 2 large bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish