Nigerian Chef Sets World Record With Giant Jollof Pot   

• Thousands gathered in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, to watch celebrity chef Hilda Baci cook the largest pot of jollof rice ever recorded. Baci used a locally made container with an estimated capacity of 22,619 liters and assembled a technical and culinary team of more than 300 people. Over nine hours, the team prepared a massive version of the iconic West African dish using roughly 4,000 kilograms of rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, 600 kilograms of onions, 168 kilograms of goat meat, 6,000 kilograms of water, and 700 kilograms of oil. In a heart-stopping moment, one of the pot’s legs gave way while it was lifted with a crane. The rice did not spill, but the mishap prevented immediate weighing and temporarily delayed registration. Guinness World Records confirmed the record on Sept. 15. Jollof rice is one of West Africa’s most recognizable dishes, with national variations and a long-running, friendly rivalry over which country makes the best version. Its origins trace back to the Senegalese dish ceebu jen. Ingredients often reflect the significance of an occasion or appreciation for the guests, and cooking techniques are passed down through families. Traditionally, it is shared from a communal bowl, with etiquette guiding how portions are served. For millions across the continent and in the diaspora, jollof rice is more than a recipe. It is a symbol of identity, hospitality, and celebration ? a dish that unites people, marks special moments, and honors tradition. May For The Teen Times teen/1760056159/1613367697