Baked jollof rice

Step 1

Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas Tip the rice in a sieve, rinse under cold water, drain and set aside. Put the peppers, onion, garlic, ginger and chilli, if using, in a food processor and blitz until chopped.

Step 2

Heat the oil in an ovenproof casserole over a medium heat and fry the tomato purée for 2-3 mins, stirring often. Add the blitzed pepper mixture and fry for 5 mins more, then add the herbs, spices and 1 tsp salt. Fry for a further 1-2 mins, then stir in the rice to coat. Pour in the stock, stir, cover and bake for 45 mins until the rice is tender.