Gallbladder-Friendly Nigerian Jollof Rice: Flavor Without the Fat
Discover a modified Nigerian Jollof Rice recipe designed for gallbladder health. Low-fat adaptations preserve authentic flavor while avoiding common triggers, plus tips for dining out safely.
MM Food Team

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Gallbladder-Friendly Nigerian Jollof Rice: Flavor Without the Fat
Craving Nigerian Jollof Rice but worried about gallbladder triggers? This iconic West African dish often relies on generous oils and rich ingredients that can cause discomfort. Our reimagined recipe keeps the vibrant flavors intact while prioritizing gallbladder health through clever substitutions and mindful preparation.
Why Traditional Jollof Needs Tweaking
Traditional Jollof typically contains:
- Heavy palm or vegetable oil (up to 1 cup)
- Fatty meat stocks or red meats
- Spicy seasonings that may irritate sensitive systems These elements stimulate bile production, potentially triggering gallbladder pain. Our version strategically reduces these risks without sacrificing soul-satisfying taste.
Your Gallbladder-Friendly Jollof Formula
Serves 4 (Cook time: 45 minutes)
Ingredients
- 2 cups parboiled rice (rinsed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, blended
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 400g skinned chicken breast (cubed) OR mushrooms for vegetarian
- 2 large tomatoes, blended
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional, deseeded)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1 tbsp paprika (for color)
- 1 tsp thyme
- Fresh herbs (parsley/basil) for garnish
Method
- Heat oil in non-stick pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (3 mins).
- Add chicken/mushrooms, garlic, and ginger. Cook until protein is browned.
- Pour in blended tomatoes, bell pepper, and scotch bonnet. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in paprika, thyme, broth, and rinsed rice. Bring to boil.
- Cover tightly, reduce heat to low. Cook 25-30 mins until rice is tender (no stirring).
- Fluff with fork, garnish with herbs. Serve with steamed veggies.
Key Modifications Explained
- Oil Reduction: Swapped palm oil for minimal heart-healthy fats
- Lean Proteins: Used skinless poultry/mushrooms instead of fatty meats
- Broth Base: Replaced meat stocks with low-sodium vegetable broth
- Spice Control: Scotch bonnet is optional∕deseeded to minimize irritation
How MM Food App Empowers Your Dining
Planning to eat out? Let our app analyze restaurant menus for gallbladder-friendly options:
- Set "Low-Fat" dietary restriction in your profile
- Scan Nigerian restaurant menus with real-time translation
- Receive instant alerts on safe dishes and customizable requests Our AI identifies hidden fats in sauces, fried coatings, and creams – ensuring you enjoy global cuisines confidently.
Enjoy the spirited essence of Jollof without compromise! This recipe proves that gallbladder-friendly eating still celebrates cultural authenticity through smart culinary innovation.

Dine Confidently Anywhere
Get the MM Food app for instant menu translation and allergy detection.