Skip to Content

Jollof Couscous Recipe

My favorite Jollof Couscous recipe is quick and tasty. It will surely become a family favorite in your home too.

Vibrant and flavorful Jollof couscous dish garnished with herbs
Couscous recipe - Jollof Couscous

Delicious Couscous Jollof

If you love jollof rice, you are going to love this one. This couscous recipe is almost everything Jollof. The only difference is that this takes so much less time to put together.

Traditional Jollof rice is known for its spicy, smoky tomato base. This recipe swaps rice for couscous. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave that deep Jollof taste but are short on time. Jollof couscous is your answer.

For those busy weeknights when you crave that deep Jollof taste but are short on time, this recipe is your answer. It’s my tried-and-true method. I'm sure you will love it!

Why You Will Love Couscous Jollof

Couscous is a staple in North African cooking. It's the type of Pasta made from Semolina and sometimes a mixture of Semolina and wheat flour. Try to avoid whole wheat for this recipe unless you prefer a chewier texture.

If you are familiar with Nigerian cuisine, you will know that Jollof Rice holds a special place in our hearts. It's the ultimate party food, the comfort meal, the taste of home!

I have made it in many ways, like baked Jollof Rice and party style Jollof Rice. I have even used pasta to make jollof, and now couscous!

Here's why this Jollof Couscous will become a new favorite:

  • Speed & Convenience: This is a huge win! It's much faster to prepare than traditional Jollof rice, making it perfect for those busy weekdays.
  • Lighter Texture: Couscous offers an alternative to rice. It's fluffy and light. It provides a distinct but pleasing mouthfeel.
  • Nutritional Boost: Couscous is a good source of complex carbohydrates and can be a healthy addition to your meals.

Couscous is very versatile, so you can pair it up with any accompaniment of your choice.

Delicious and hearty Jollof couscous dish,  perfect for a flavorful meal

Tips for Success

I have made this dish countless times, and these are my secrets for making it perfectly:

  • Perfecting the Pepper Base: I can't stress enough how important it is to properly cook down the blended pepper mixture. It's what gives Jollof its deep, complex flavor and signature color. Don't rush this step!
  • Couscous-to-Liquid Ratio: Always double-check your specific couscous package for its recommended liquid ratio. While my recipe provides a general guide, slight variations exist, and getting this right ensures your couscous is perfectly fluffy, never mushy or dry.
  • Smokiness: For a good Jollof smoky flavor without charcoal, try adding smoked paprika to the Jollof base. You will love it!
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish is very versatile! It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or plantains. I also love it as a light meal on its own or as a vibrant base for quick meal prep.
  • Customizing the Heat: If you love it spicy, feel free to add more Scotch Bonnets to your pepper blend. For less heat, reduce the quantity or remove the seeds.
Jollof couscous recipe with a blend of aromatic spices

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my couscous mushy/too dry?"

  • Mushy: You likely used too much liquid or didn't remove the pot from the heat fast enough. Ensure you follow the liquid ratio and avoid letting it sit for too long.
  • Too Dry: Not enough liquid, or the lid wasn't sealed tightly enough to trap the steam. Make sure the couscous is fully submerged.

Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?

Yes, makes a nutritious substitute. However, be mindful that the cook time will be different.

How long does couscous Jollof keep?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

Can I freeze couscous Jollof?

Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Is couscous gluten-free?

Traditional couscous isn't gluten-free.

Colorful Jollof couscous plate with a burst of flavor

What type of couscous is best?

I recommend using fine or medium-grain unflavored couscous for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the Jollof flavors beautifully.

Is this as flavorful as traditional Jollof rice?

It has all the core Jollof flavors. The rich tomato-pepper base, aromatics, and spices. Although the texture is different, I promise you will get a comparably delicious and authentic Jollof flavor experience.

If you like this recipe, you might also like these:

Couscous recupe

Jollof Couscous

I love quick, tasty meals, and this Jollof couscous recipe is perfect! It’s a delicious African-inspired dish that is easy to make and always a hit with my family.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Cuisine: African
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 9
Calories: 285.9kcal
Author: Lola Osinkolu

Ingredients

Tomato Blend Mix

  • 3 medium ripe roma tomatoes
  • 1 medium red bell peppers Tatashe
  • 1 scotch bonnet adjust quantity or deseed for less heat
  • 1 medium onion

Couscous

  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 2 teaspoons bouillon powder
  • cups broth chicken, beef, or vegetable
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt to taste
  • 3 cups couscous

Instructions

  • Blend the tomatoes, bell pepper, scotch bonnet, and onion. Set aside.
  • In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until tender and translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the tomato paste and stir well. Let it cook for about 1 minute to remove its raw taste.
  • Pour in the blended tomato-pepper mixture. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
  • Stir in paprika, curry powder, thyme, bouillon powder, and salt to taste. Add the bay leaf and pour in the broth. Stir well and bring to a rolling boil.
  • Once boiling, stir in the couscous quickly. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and turn off the heat.
  • Allow the couscous to absorb the sauce undisturbed for 5-8 minutes.
  • Open the pot and fluff the couscous with a fork. Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 285.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 50.9g | Protein: 8.3g | Fat: 5.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 0.04mg | Sodium: 413.7mg | Potassium: 264.7mg | Fiber: 4.2g | Sugar: 3.3g | Vitamin A: 913.5IU | Vitamin C: 24.7mg | Calcium: 28.6mg | Iron: 1.1mg

Don't forget to connect with me! Let’s connect on YouTubeFacebook, and Instagram. I love keeping in touch with you; nothing brings me more joy than seeing pictures of your creations. Tag me @cheflolaskitchen on Instagram and Facebook!

5 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




Sophy

Thursday 19th of August 2021

Good👍

Saturday 5th of June 2021

Nice one I love it

Ray

Saturday 6th of March 2021

it's my first time of preparing it, it's so tasty and delicious..... my kids appreciate the change in taste ad breakfast. tanx to Chief Lola

Lola Osinkolu

Wednesday 14th of July 2021

Thanks for letting me know Ray! 😊

Perpetual

Wednesday 18th of November 2020

I love it

Favour Elegbede

Sunday 2nd of February 2020

I tried this today and it was so delicious. I prepared this specially for one 19 month old son. Am sure he would enjoy it.

Yemi

Monday 9th of November 2020

@Lola Osinkolu, I love your Food

Lola Osinkolu

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

Oooh, I’m so glad you enjoyed this Favour! I really appreciate the feedback ❤️