Baby and toddler recipes
🍅 Jollof-style rice with chicken
A mild, baby-friendly take on West African jollof rice, with chicken thigh cooked in a rich tomato and pepper base. All the warmth, none of the salt or heat.
Makes about 4 baby portions plus 2 adult
Ingredients
- 200g Basmati rice (rinsed well)
- 3 boneless thighs Chicken thigh (diced)
- 1 Red pepper (chopped)
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 1 x 400g tin plum tomatoes Tomato
- 1 tbsp Tomato purée
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 tsp Ginger (grated)
- ½ tsp Thyme (dried)
- ½ tsp Curry powder (mild)
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Rapeseed oil
- Water (about 350ml)
Method
- Blend the pepper, half the onion, tomatoes, garlic and ginger until smooth.
- Soften the rest of the onion in the oil, add the chicken and brown lightly.
- Stir in the tomato puree, curry powder and thyme, then the blended sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Add the rice, bay leaf and water, stir once, cover tightly and cook on low for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is soft.
- Remove the bay leaf and fluff. Cook baby's portion a little longer with extra water if needed so the rice is very soft.
Serving it to your baby
From 9 months, press the rice into small balls or serve on a preloaded spoon, with chicken shredded or in soft strips. For younger babies, mash with a little water.
For the rest of the family
Stir chilli or scotch bonnet into the adult portion, season with salt, and serve with fried plantain.
Storing and reheating
Cool rice dishes within an hour, keep in the fridge for no more than 1 day and reheat only once, until steaming hot all the way through. You can freeze portions for up to 1 month; defrost in the fridge and reheat until piping hot, then cool before serving.
Weaning with OBubba
Plan meals and log what your baby loved.
OBubba keeps a record of every food your baby has tried and spots the allergens for you, so you always know what is next. Free to download.
Questions parents ask
Can babies eat rice?
Yes, rice is a good weaning food. Cook it soft, cool leftovers quickly and do not keep cooked rice for more than a day.
How do I keep jollof mild?
Leave out the scotch bonnet and use a mild curry powder. Add heat to adult plates separately.
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).