Hey there, fellow food lovers! I'm Aisha, and I'm absolutely obsessed with transforming leftovers into something magical. This recipe was born out of a need to use up some leftover jollof rice—that amazingly vibrant and flavorful West African staple. Instead of the usual reheated rice, I thought, 'Why not fritters?!' And let me tell you, it was a revelation! These Jollof Rice Fritters with Avocado Crema are unbelievably delicious, crispy on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside.

This recipe is ridiculously easy, even for beginner cooks. It's a brilliant way to use up leftover jollof rice, and it's also incredibly versatile. You can customize the fritters to your liking by adding other spices or vegetables. The creamy avocado crema is the perfect complement—it adds a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the jollof rice.

Jollof Rice Fritters with Avocado Crema

Name: Jollof-Rice-Fritters-with-Avocado-Crema
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 1 cup Leftover Jollof Rice; 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 Egg; 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil; 1 ripe Avocado; 1 tablespoon Lime Juice; 1 tablespoon Fresh Cilantro; 1/4 teaspoon Salt

These crispy Jollof Rice Fritters are elevated to the next level with a cool and creamy avocado crema. This recipe is a fun and flavorful way to use up leftover jollof rice!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

📖 Instructions

First, let's get started on the Jollof rice fritters. If you're using leftover jollof rice, make sure it's completely cool. If not, cook your jollof rice according to your favorite recipe; allow it to cool completely before proceeding. This step is super important for the texture; you want the rice to be cool so the fritters hold their shape.
In a large bowl, gently mash the cooled jollof rice. Don't over-mash it—you still want some texture. Then, whisk in the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper. Add a beaten egg if using. Mix everything together until it forms a slightly sticky but workable dough. It's kinda like making little rice patties, only way more exciting!
Next, heat up a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Make sure it's hot enough—you should see a little shimmer in the oil. Once it's hot, drop spoonfuls of the jollof rice mixture into the pan, shaping them into small, flat fritters. Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches, about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they're nicely golden brown and heated through. You know they're ready when the edges are a gorgeous, crisp golden brown.
While the fritters are frying, let's whip up that amazing avocado crema. Grab your blender or food processor. Combine the ripe avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend it until it’s super smooth and creamy. You might need to add a little water if it’s too thick. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A tiny bit of cumin really adds to this, but that's optional!
Once the fritters are cooked, carefully remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Serve them immediately with a generous dollop of the avocado crema. Sprinkle some extra cilantro on top for some freshness if desired and there you have it, a work of art, ready to be eaten!
And don’t forget: taste as you go! Adjust seasonings according to your preferences. It's your dish; make it your own!

📝 Notes

If your jollof rice is particularly wet, you may need to add a little more flour to the fritter batter to achieve the right consistency.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili peppers to the fritter batter.
Feel free to get creative with the avocado crema. Add a little sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess!