Kale Jollof Rice | A Toddler-Friendly Twist on a Nigerian Classic

When it comes to Jollof rice, you know it’s serious business. It’s a staple of Nigerian cuisine and a dish that’s close to my heart. But as a mum, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to sneak more veggies into my toddler’s meals without compromising on taste. That’s how this Kale Jollof Rice recipe was born.  

Don’t worry—this is still the hearty, flavourful Jollof you know and love, but with a twist. By blending kale leaves into the mix, we’re adding an extra layer of nutrition that’s perfect for little ones (and adults too!). The best part? It’s still delicious, satisfying, and hits all the right notes of smoky, spicy, and savoury.  

If you’re a busy parent like me, or just someone looking to switch up your jollof game, this recipe is for you. Let’s get into it!  

Why Kale Jollof Rice?

Veggie Power: Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus fibre and antioxidants. Adding it to jollof rice means your meal is not just tasty but extra nutritious.

Toddler-Approved: The kale blends seamlessly into the dish, so even the pickiest eaters won’t notice it. My toddler gobbles this up without a second thought!

Hearty & Flavourful: Thanks to the coconut milk, pepper mix, and spices, this jollof rice stays true to its roots—rich, aromatic, and comforting.

Why This Recipe Works

- Sneaky Veggies: The kale blends so well with the Jollof base that kids will find it easy to eat.

- Coconut Milk: The coconut milk adds a creamy richness that balances out the earthy flavours beautifully.

- Traditional Meets Healthy: This recipe doesn’t compromise on the smoky, spicy flavour of classic Jollof—it just adds a healthy twist.

Serving Suggestions

- Pair with water fried plantains for a sweet-and-savoury combo that’s always a hit.

- Serve alongside a protein like baked tofu, grilled mushrooms, or moin moin.

- For toddlers, you can pair it with steamed veggies or avocado slices for extra nutrition.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 red onion, finely chopped

800ml blended pepper mix (2 red bell peppers, 400g chopped tomatoes, half a chilli, half an onion)

700g golden basmati or long-grain rice

200g kale, blended with 400ml water

400ml coconut milk

2 tbsp curry powder

1 tbsp dried thyme

Salt, to taste

1 vegetable stock cube (optional)

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until fragrant and soft.

2. Add the blended pepper and simmer over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until it starts to bubble. It should reduce slightly and deepen in flavour.

3. Add the rice and stir in the blended kale, coconut milk and spices (curry powder, thyme, salt and vegetable stock). Cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes on the lowest heat setting. 

4. Once the rice is tender, take it off the heat and leave covered for an additional 10 minutes before stirring and fluffing up the rice. Serve with side dishes of your choice such as vegan protein (tofu, tempeh, mushrooms), water fried plantain, moin moin, roasted vegetables etc. 

----

This Kale Jollof Rice is proof that you can have the best of both worlds: the bold flavours of Nigerian cuisine and the health benefits of leafy greens. It’s a meal that brings comfort and nourishment to the whole family, from toddlers to adults.

So, if you’re ready to switch up your Jollof game and impress your loved ones with a creative twist, give this recipe a try. I promise, it’s a winner!