Google Doodle Celebrates African Jollof
We love how Google showcased Jollof with a live-action doodle showing the different ingredients used to make the meal and how it can be served.
The beautiful live-action doodle was made by a Nigerian guest artist, Haneefah Adam; while the soundtrack was created by Senegalese jazz musician, Hervé Samb.
Jollof, popularly called Jollof Rice by West Africans, is a delicious meal made with rice and ingredients such as tomatoes, pepper, maggi, bay leaf, onions, groundnut oil, and more. It’s usually served with fish, beef, chicken, turkey, or even egg and plantain. Yummy!
Although World Jollof Day was held on August 22, Google is celebrating Jollof today. Here’s how Google described Jollof:
“Jollof rice, a quintessential West African dish simmered in reduced tomatoes, onions, peppers, and regional spices.”
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“On this day each year, rice farmers plant and reap a bountiful harvest, and cooks across West Africa prepare to make fresh Jollof. Also known as benachin and thieboudienne’
Google also hinted at the history of Jollof.
“The Wolof Empire, ruling parts of modern-day Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania made Jollof rice popular.”
“Each country has added its spin to the recipe and West Africans engage in humorous banter over who makes the best Jollof. These friendly rivalries, known as the “Jollof Wars,” have become an African cultural phenomenon.”
“Nigerians use long-grain rice that absorbs more spices, while Ghanaians use basmati rice with a more aromatic flavour.”
Truly, the competition on who makes the best Jollof amongst different countries shows the popularity of the meal globally. Interestingly, Nigerian Jollof and Ghanian Jollof are said to be the best. Recently, attention has been drawn to the Senegalese Jollof.