Zobo Mocktail & Jollof Spaghetti

The vibrant, refreshing Nigerian summer combo that brings the taste of sunshine to your table!

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🍉 Tasty Summer Recipe Challenge

Why This Combo is Perfect for Summer

This dynamic duo captures the essence of Nigerian summer with its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and festive spirit.

Refreshing & Hydrating

Zobo Mocktail cools you down on hot days with its tangy hibiscus and pineapple flavors.

Festive & Flavorful

Jollof Spaghetti brings the party with its rich, spicy tomato sauce and satisfying texture.

Crowd-Pleasing

This combo is guaranteed to be a hit at any summer gathering or backyard party.

Vibrant & Colorful

The rich reds and bright garnishes make for an Instagram-worthy summer feast.

Ingredients

Everything you need to create this vibrant summer combo

Zobo Mocktail

  • 1 cup dried hibiscus petals (zobo leaves)
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, chopped
  • 3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • ½ cup sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish
  • Ice cubes
  • 6 cups water
  • Optional: Cinnamon stick, orange slices

Jollof Spaghetti

  • 500g spaghetti
  • 3 large red bell peppers
  • 2 scotch bonnet peppers
  • 4 ripe tomatoes
  • 1 large red onion
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 stock cubes
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: Prawns, chicken, mixed vegetables

The Story Behind the Dish

This vibrant combo was my go-to during the famous "Detty December" backyard parties in Lagos - when the sun was unforgiving, the music was blasting, and everyone wanted delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Jollof spaghetti is a crowd-pleasing evolution of Nigeria's legendary jollof rice. It captures all the rich, spicy flavors but with the quicker-cooking pasta that's perfect for summer gatherings. And Zobo? That's our homegrown mocktail queen - a refreshing hibiscus drink that's been cooling Nigerians for generations.

Together, they scream summer fun - beach vibes, backyard hangouts, and street-style deliciousness. The spicy-sweet spaghetti paired with the tangy-cool mocktail creates the perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Recipes

Step-by-step instructions to create this summer masterpiece

Refreshing Zobo Drink

Zobo Mocktail

  1. Rinse hibiscus petals thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt.
  2. In a large pot, combine hibiscus, pineapple, ginger, cloves, and water.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in sugar or honey until dissolved.
  5. Allow to cool completely, then strain into a pitcher.
  6. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  7. Serve over ice, garnished with fresh mint and pineapple slices.
Jollof Spaghetti

Jollof Spaghetti

  1. Blend bell peppers, tomatoes, scotch bonnets, and half the onion until smooth.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté remaining onions until translucent.
  3. Add tomato paste and fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in blended pepper mixture and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add curry powder, thyme, stock cubes, and salt. Cook for another 10 minutes.
  6. Add spaghetti and enough water to cover the spaghetti by about 1 inch.
  7. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until spaghetti is tender.
  8. Add optional proteins or vegetables in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  9. Fluff with a fork and serve hot with Zobo Mocktail!