Jollof Rice

3 cups long grain rice 4 large tomatoes, blended 2 red bell peppers, blended 2 onions, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 inches ginger, grated 2 scotch bonnet peppers 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 bay leaves 1 tsp thyme 1 tsp curry powder Salt to taste Chicken or beef (optional)

1. Wash and parboil rice for 10 minutes, then drain 2. Blend tomatoes, peppers, and onions to make a smooth paste 3. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onions until translucent 4. Add garlic, ginger, and spices, cook for 2 minutes 5. Add the blended tomato mixture and cook until oil floats to the top 6. Add rice and stir well to coat with the sauce 7. Add hot water (1:1 ratio with rice) and cook on low heat 8. Let it steam for 20 minutes until rice is tender