Jollof Rice: A West African Odyssey

Jollof rice, a vibrant, spiced dish that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate, embodies the spirit and cultural richness of West Africa. Its history is a tapestry of tradition, rivalry, and shared heritage, narrating the story of a region through the lens of its most beloved dish.

The origins of Jollof rice can be traced back to the ancient Wolof Empire, which spanned parts of today’s Senegal, The Gambia and Mauritania. Initially referred to as “thieboudienne” in Senegal...